Exposure to Mobile Phone-Emitted Electromagnetic Fields and Human Attention: No Evidence of a Causal Relationship

Abstract

In the past 20 years of research regarding effects of mobile phone-derived electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on human cognition, attention has been one of the first and most extensively investigated functions. Different domains investigated covered selective, sustained, and divided attention. Here, the most relevant studies on this topic have been reviewed and discussed. A total of 43 studies are reported and summarized: of these, 31 indicated a total absence of statistically significant difference between real and sham signal, 9 showed a partial improvement of attentional performance (mainly increase in speed of performance and/or improvement of accuracy) as a function of real exposure, while the remaining 3 showed inconsistent results (i.e., increased speed in some tasks and slowing in others) or even a worsening in performance (reduced speed and/or deteriorated accuracy). These results are independent of the specific attentional domain investigated. This scenario allows to conclude that there is a substantial lack of evidence about a negative influence of non-ionizing radiations on attention functioning. Nonetheless, published literature is very heterogeneous under the point of view of methodology (type of signal, exposure time, blinding), dosimetry (accurate evaluation of specific absorption rate-SAR or emitted power), and statistical analyses, making arduous a conclusive generalization to everyday life. Some remarks and suggestions regarding future research are proposed.

Short-term radiofrequency exposure from new generation mobile phones reduces EEG alpha power with no effects on cognitive performance

“…In contrast, only a few studies examined the possible effects of 3G mobile radiation on cognition 9–15 , whereas for the LTE system used by 4G MPs, no indices of human cognitive performance have been investigated thus far. Moreover, findings regarding the possible cognitive effects of MP use are rather inconsistent; for example, some suggest adverse 11,16,17 or facilitating effects 18–21 , whereas others found no effects 12,14,22–26 . Previous reviews do not support the short-term impact of high frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by several types of MPs on human cognitive performance (for an overview, see the following reviews 7,8,22,27,28 ).…”

Short-term radiofrequency exposure from new generation mobile phones reduces EEG alpha power with no effects on cognitive performance

“…Moreover, findings regarding the possible cognitive effects of MP use are rather inconsistent; for example, some suggest adverse 11,16,17 or facilitating effects, [18][19][20][21] whereas others found no effects. 12,14,[22][23][24][25][26] Previous reviews do not support the short-term impact of high frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by several types of MPs on human cognitive performance (for an overview, see the following reviews: 7,8,22,27,28 ). It is argued that the heterogeneity of the results may be due to differences in methodology, statistical power and interpretation criteria.…”

The effect of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on cognitive performance in human experimental studies: A protocol for a systematic review

“…A high number of studies testing immediate effects of exposures have been conducted with volunteer participants, with varying reports of both improved and reduced performance, as well as statistically non-significant effects ( Regel et al, 2007 , Sauter et al, 2011 , Sauter et al, 2015 , Verrender et al, 2016 , Zentai et al, 2015 ). Several meta-analyses ( Barth et al 2008 , 2012; Valentini et al 2010 ) and (systematic) reviews ( Hamblin and Wood, 2002 , Hossmann and Hermann, 2003 , Martens, 2005 , Cook et al, 2002 , Cook et al, 2006 , D'Andrea et al, 2003a , D'Andrea et al, 2003b , Sienkiewicz et al, 2005 , van Rongen et al, 2009 , Marino and Carrubba, 2009 , Regel and Achermann, 2011 , Rubinet al, 2011 ; Kwon and Hämäläinen, 2011 ; Wiedemann and Schütz, 2011 , Mortazavi et al, 2014 , Zhang et al, 2017 , Curcio, 2018 ) on possible effects of RF-EMFs have been published to date, but the last meta-analysis had been published in 2012 ( Barth et al 2012 ). Furthermore, reviews, that included studies from the last ten years considered either one cognitive domain only ( Curcio 2018 ), did not consider performance outcomes ( Zhang et al 2017 ), looked at possible beneficial effects only ( Mortazavi et al, 2014 ) or considered only studies on children ( Sienkiewicz et al, 2005 , Wiedemann and Schütz, 2011 ).…”

“…Several meta-analyses ( Barth et al 2008 , 2012; Valentini et al 2010 ) and (systematic) reviews ( Hamblin and Wood, 2002 , Hossmann and Hermann, 2003 , Martens, 2005 , Cook et al, 2002 , Cook et al, 2006 , D'Andrea et al, 2003a , D'Andrea et al, 2003b , Sienkiewicz et al, 2005 , van Rongen et al, 2009 , Marino and Carrubba, 2009 , Regel and Achermann, 2011 , Rubinet al, 2011 ; Kwon and Hämäläinen, 2011 ; Wiedemann and Schütz, 2011 , Mortazavi et al, 2014 , Zhang et al, 2017 , Curcio, 2018 ) on possible effects of RF-EMFs have been published to date, but the last meta-analysis had been published in 2012 ( Barth et al 2012 ). Furthermore, reviews, that included studies from the last ten years considered either one cognitive domain only ( Curcio 2018 ), did not consider performance outcomes ( Zhang et al 2017 ), looked at possible beneficial effects only ( Mortazavi et al, 2014 ) or considered only studies on children ( Sienkiewicz et al, 2005 , Wiedemann and Schütz, 2011 ). An up-to-date systematic review is needed to explore whether RF-EMF exposure may have an adverse effect on different measures of cognitive performance.…”