Memory performance, wireless communication and exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: A prospective cohort study in adolescents

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate whether memory performance in adolescents is affected by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from wireless device use or by the wireless device use itself due to non-radiation related factors in that context. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study with 439 adolescents. Verbal and figural memory tasks at baseline and after one year were completed using a standardized, computerized cognitive test battery. Use of wireless devices was inquired by questionnaire and operator recorded mobile phone use data was obtained for a subgroup of 234 adolescents. RF-EMF dose measures considering various factors affecting RF-EMF exposure were computed for the brain and the whole body. Data were analysed using a longitudinal approach, to investigate whether cumulative exposure over one year was related to changes in memory performance. All analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders. Results: The kappa coefficients between cumulative mobile phone call duration and RF-EMF brain and whole body dose were 0.62 and 0.67, respectively for the whole sample and 0.48 and 0.28, respectively for the sample with operator data. In linear exposure-response models an interquartile increase in cumulative operator recorded mobile phone call duration was associated with a decrease in figural memory performance score by -0.15 (95% CI: -0.33, 0.03) units. For cumulative RF-EMF brain and whole body dose corresponding decreases in figural memory scores were -0.26 (95% CI: -0.42, -0.10) and -0.40 (95% CI: -0.79, -0.01), respectively. No exposure-response associations were observed for sending text messages and duration of gaming, which produces tiny RF-EMF emissions. Conclusions: A change in memory performance over one year was negatively associated with cumulative duration of wireless phone use and more strongly with RF-EMF dose. This may indicate that RF-EMF exposure affects memory performance.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In longitudinal exposure-response models, an interquartile increase in cumulative operator-recorded mobile phone call duration was associated with a decrease in figural memory score (-0.15; 95% CI: -0.33, 0.03). Decreases in figural memory were also reported for cumulative RF-EMF brain dose (-0.26; 95% CI: -0.42, -0.10) and whole-body dose (-0.40; 95% CI: -0.79, -0.01). No exposure-response associations were observed for text messaging or gaming duration (noted to produce tiny RF-EMF emissions).

Outcomes measured

• Verbal memory performance
• Figural memory performance

Limitations

• Wireless device use was assessed by questionnaire (with operator-recorded mobile phone use available only for a subgroup).
• Operator-recorded mobile phone use data were available only for a subgroup of 234 adolescents.

Suggested hubs

• mobile-phones (0.9)
  Assesses mobile phone call duration and RF-EMF dose from wireless phone use in relation to memory outcomes.

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        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile phone",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "cumulative exposure over one year"
    },
    "population": "Adolescents",
    "sample_size": 439,
    "outcomes": [
        "Verbal memory performance",
        "Figural memory performance"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In longitudinal exposure-response models, an interquartile increase in cumulative operator-recorded mobile phone call duration was associated with a decrease in figural memory score (-0.15; 95% CI: -0.33, 0.03). Decreases in figural memory were also reported for cumulative RF-EMF brain dose (-0.26; 95% CI: -0.42, -0.10) and whole-body dose (-0.40; 95% CI: -0.79, -0.01). No exposure-response associations were observed for text messaging or gaming duration (noted to produce tiny RF-EMF emissions).",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Wireless device use was assessed by questionnaire (with operator-recorded mobile phone use available only for a subgroup).",
        "Operator-recorded mobile phone use data were available only for a subgroup of 234 adolescents."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "moderate",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "adolescents",
        "prospective cohort",
        "RF-EMF",
        "radiofrequency electromagnetic fields",
        "mobile phone",
        "wireless device use",
        "operator-recorded data",
        "brain dose",
        "whole-body dose",
        "memory",
        "figural memory",
        "verbal memory"
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