The Alpha Band of the Resting Electroencephalogram under Pulsed and Continuous Radiofrequency Exposures

The effect of GSM-like electromagnetic fields with the resting electroencephalogram alpha band activity was investigated in a double blind cross-over experimental paradigm, testing the hypothesis that pulsed but not continuous radiofrequency (RF) exposure would affect alpha activity, and the hypothesis that GSM-like pulsed low frequency fields would affect alpha. Seventy two healthy volunteers attended a single recording session where the eyes open resting electroencephalogram activity was recorded. Four exposure intervals were presented (sham, pulsed modulated radiofrequency, continuous RF, and pulsed low frequency) in a counterbalanced order where each exposure lasted for 20 minutes. Compared to sham, a suppression of the global alpha band activity was observed under the pulsed modulated RF exposure, and this did not differ from the continuous RF exposure. No effect was seen in the ELF condition. That there was an effect of pulsed RF that did not differ significantly from continuous RF exposure does not support the hypothesis that pulsed RF is required to produce EEG effects. The results support the view that alpha is altered by RF electromagnetic fields, but suggest that the pulsing nature of the fields is not essential for this effect to occur.
PMID: 23358937