Possible cause for altered spatial cognition of prepubescent rats exposed to chronic radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation.
Narayanan SN, Kumar RS, Karun KM, Nayak SB, Bhat PG. · 2015
View Original AbstractYoung rats exposed to cell phone-level radiation showed learning problems and brain damage in memory centers after just four weeks.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed young rats to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for one hour daily over four weeks and tested their learning and memory abilities. The exposed rats showed decreased learning abilities and poorer memory retention, especially when tested 48 hours after training. Brain tissue examination revealed structural damage to the hippocampus, the brain region critical for memory and spatial navigation.
Why This Matters
This study adds to mounting evidence that radiofrequency radiation can impair cognitive function, particularly concerning given the focus on developing brains. The exposure level (SAR of 1.15 W/kg) falls within the range of typical cell phone use, making these findings directly relevant to everyday EMF exposure. What makes this research particularly significant is the clear connection drawn between structural brain damage and measurable cognitive deficits. The researchers found actual physical changes in brain cells alongside the learning problems, providing a biological mechanism for the observed effects. The timing aspect is also crucial - while minor memory problems appeared after 24 hours, more severe deficits emerged at 48 hours, suggesting cumulative damage over time. For parents concerned about children's developing brains, this research reinforces the importance of minimizing unnecessary EMF exposure during critical developmental periods.
Exposure Details
- SAR
- 1.15 W/kg
- Power Density
- 0.1466 µW/m²
- Source/Device
- 900 MHz
- Exposure Duration
- 1 h/day, for 28 days
Exposure Context
This study used 0.1466 µW/m² for radio frequency:
- 14.7Mx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.1 μW/m²
- 244.3Kx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 0.0006 μW/cm²
This study used 1.15 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):
- 2.9x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.4 W/kg
Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
The effects of chronic and repeated radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RFEMR) exposure on spatial cognition and hippocampal architecture were investigated in prepubescent rats.
Four weeks old male Wistar rats were exposed to RF-EMR (900 MHz; SAR-1.15 W/kg with peak power densi...
Progressive learning abilities were found to be decreased in RF-EMR exposed rats. Memory retention t...
Show BibTeX
@article{sn_2015_possible_cause_for_altered_1222,
author = {Narayanan SN and Kumar RS and Karun KM and Nayak SB and Bhat PG.},
title = {Possible cause for altered spatial cognition of prepubescent rats exposed to chronic radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation.},
year = {2015},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26033310/},
}