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Local vasodilator response to mobile phones.

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Paredi P, Kharitonov SA, Hanazawa T, Barnes PJ. · 2001

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Cell phones cause measurable tissue heating and blood vessel changes within minutes of use, effects prevented by using earpieces.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers measured biological changes in 11 healthy adults during 30-minute cell phone calls using 900 MHz phones. They found significant increases in skin temperature (up to 2.3°C), reduced nasal airway space (27% decrease), and elevated nitric oxide levels on the side of the head where the phone was held. These effects disappeared when participants used earpieces instead of holding phones directly against their heads.

Why This Matters

This study demonstrates that cell phone radiation produces measurable biological effects within minutes of exposure. The researchers documented clear vascular changes including increased skin temperature and altered blood vessel function in the nasal passages. What makes this research particularly compelling is the control design - effects only occurred on the side of the head where the phone was held, and disappeared completely when earpieces were used. The science demonstrates that RF radiation at levels produced by mobile phones can trigger immediate physiological responses in human tissue. While the study focused on short-term effects, these vascular changes raise important questions about what happens with years of daily cell phone use pressed against our heads.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 900 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 900 MHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 900 MHz Duration: 30 minutes

Study Details

We investigated if a mobile telephone conversation can modify skin temperature, NO, and nasal resistance.

We studied the effect of an EMF (900 MHz) generated by a commercially available cellular phone durin...

There was a similar and significant increase in skin temperature of the nostril and occipital area o...

Exposure to EMF produced by a mobile phone produces biological effects that can be easily measured. Microwaves may increase skin temperature and therefore cause vasodilation and reduce MCA. Further studies are needed to study the long-term effects of mobile phone use and the relation among NO production, vasodilation, and temperature.

Cite This Study
Paredi P, Kharitonov SA, Hanazawa T, Barnes PJ. (2001). Local vasodilator response to mobile phones. Laryngoscope. 2001 Jan;111(1):159-62. doi: 10.1097/00005537-200101000-00027. PMID: 11192886.
Show BibTeX
@article{p_2001_local_vasodilator_response_to_2253,
  author = {Paredi P and Kharitonov SA and Hanazawa T and Barnes PJ.},
  title = {Local vasodilator response to mobile phones.},
  year = {2001},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11192886/},
}
PubMed: 11192886

Cited By (48 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, a 2001 study found that 900 MHz cell phones increased skin temperature by up to 2.3°C on the side of the head where the phone was held during 30-minute calls. These temperature increases disappeared when participants used earpieces instead of holding phones directly against their heads.
Research shows that 30-minute cell phone calls using 900 MHz phones reduced nasal airway space by 27% on the same side as the phone. This effect occurred alongside increased skin temperature and disappeared when earpieces were used to avoid direct electromagnetic field exposure.
A study found that 900 MHz cell phone exposure during calls increased nasal nitric oxide levels by up to 12.9% on the side where the phone was held. Researchers measured these changes in 11 healthy adults during 30-minute phone calls.
Yes, using earpieces eliminates measurable biological effects from cell phone radiation. When study participants used earpieces instead of holding 900 MHz phones against their heads, researchers found no increases in skin temperature, nitric oxide levels, or changes in nasal airway space.
Research shows 30-minute calls with 900 MHz phones cause measurable biological changes including skin temperature increases up to 2.3°C, 27% reduction in nasal airway space, and elevated nitric oxide levels. These effects occur only on the side where the phone is held.