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The effect of mobile phone electromagnetic fields on the alpha rhythm of human electroencephalogram.

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Croft RJ, Hamblin DL, Spong J, Wood AW, McKenzie RJ, Stough C · 2008

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Mobile phones measurably alter brain wave patterns during normal use, with stronger effects on the side closest to the phone.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers measured brain waves in 120 people while they used mobile phones for 30 minutes, finding that phone radiation significantly changed the brain's electrical activity patterns. Specifically, the phones increased "alpha waves" (brain rhythms associated with relaxed awareness) more on the side of the head closest to the phone. This study confirms that mobile phone radiation can alter normal brain function in real-time.

Why This Matters

This research provides compelling evidence that mobile phone radiation produces measurable changes in brain activity during normal use. The study used rigorous methodology with 120 participants in a double-blind design, making it one of the stronger pieces of evidence in the EMF research literature. What makes this particularly significant is that the phones operated at SAR levels of 0.674 and 0.110 W/kg - well within current safety limits and typical of everyday phone use. The fact that brain wave patterns changed more dramatically on the side closest to the phone suggests a direct biological response to the radiation exposure. While the health implications of altered alpha waves aren't fully understood, this study demonstrates that our brains are not immune to electromagnetic fields from wireless devices. The reality is that if phone radiation can measurably change brain activity in healthy adults during a 30-minute exposure, we need to take seriously the potential for longer-term effects from years of daily use.

Exposure Details

SAR
0.674 and 0.110 W/kg
Source/Device
895 MHz GSM Mobile Phone
Exposure Duration
30 days

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 0.674 and 0.110 W/kgExtreme Concern - 0.1 W/kgFCC Limit - 1.6 W/kgEffects observed in the Extreme Concern rangeFCC limit is 15x higher than this level
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 895 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 895 MHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

The purpose of the present study was to test one of the strongest findings in the literature; that of increased "alpha" power in response to MP-type radiation.

Healthy participants (N = 120) were tested using a double‐blind counterbalanced crossover design, wi...

Non‐parametric analyses were employed as data could not be normalized. Previous reports of an overal...

Employing a strong methodology, the current findings support previous research that has reported an effect of MP exposure on EEG alpha power

Cite This Study
Croft RJ, Hamblin DL, Spong J, Wood AW, McKenzie RJ, Stough C (2008). The effect of mobile phone electromagnetic fields on the alpha rhythm of human electroencephalogram. Bioelectromagnetics. 29(1):1-10, 2008.
Show BibTeX
@article{rj_2008_the_effect_of_mobile_81,
  author = {Croft RJ and Hamblin DL and Spong J and Wood AW and McKenzie RJ and Stough C},
  title = {The effect of mobile phone electromagnetic fields on the alpha rhythm of human electroencephalogram.},
  year = {2008},
  doi = {10.1002/bem.20352},
  url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bem.20352},
}
DOI: 10.1002/bem.20352

Cited By (97 papers)

View all 97 citing papers on Semantic Scholar

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, mobile phone radiation can alter brain wave patterns. A 2008 study of 120 people found that 30 minutes of phone use significantly increased alpha brain waves, particularly on the side of the head closest to the phone, confirming phones change normal brain electrical activity in real-time.
Research shows cell phone radiation does change brain activity. Scientists measured brain waves in 120 participants and found mobile phones significantly altered electrical patterns in the brain, increasing alpha waves more on the side nearest the phone during 30-minute exposure periods.
Mobile phone radiation demonstrably affects brain function by altering electrical activity patterns. A controlled study found phones increase alpha brain waves during use, though the long-term health implications of these immediate changes to normal brain rhythms remain under investigation by researchers.
Phone radiation impacts brain function by changing electrical wave patterns. Research with 120 people showed 30 minutes of mobile phone use significantly increased alpha brain waves, with stronger effects on the side of the head closest to the phone, proving immediate neurological changes occur.
Cell phone use produces measurable brain effects including increased alpha wave activity. A study tracking 120 people's brain waves during phone calls found significant changes in electrical patterns, with the strongest effects occurring on the side of the head nearest the device.