A Summary of Studies Conducted on Neurological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields

There has been a growing concern of the neurological effects on the human brain due to exposure to electromagnetic fields. Studies were conducted by different groups of scientists on the neurological effects of prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields on the central nervous system caused by cell phone usage. In this blog, we will summarize the findings of various studies and offer some recommendations on the solutions we offer to shield our brains and other body parts from radiation.

Brief Introduction to Neurology and Physical Behaviour

Our central nervous system plays an integral part in our day-to-day function. When our nervous system changes, neurological changes can occur as a result. Anything that directly or indirectly causes change in the nervous system may result in morphological, chemical and electrical changes. These changes can then be reflected in someone’s memory and perception.

Since the central nervous system plays an important part for human beings to function, it is not surprising that electromagnetic fields could lead to neurological changes which can manifest into physical changes. However, it should be noted that someone’s reaction to EMFs will differ from others depending on their severity and what sources of EMF they are exposed to.

The following is a summary of the research done on the causal relationship between electromagnetic fields and human reactions published between 2007-2020. 

The Correlation between Cell Phones and Electromagnetic Fields During Sleep



The first study that was conducted was related to the use of cell phones, electromagnetic fields and waves during sleep. In 2019, a study conducted by Bak et al (2019) reported changes in the brain to specific sensory, cognitive, or motor events. While studying sleeping participants, it was observed that there was an increased slow-wave activity in the human brains after exposure to radiofrequency examples of electromagnetic fields toward the end of their sleep period. In fact, there are other studies done by looking at the interaction of cell phone radiation on EEG patterns; EEG is a test that detects electrical activity in our brain using electrodes. Changes in sleep EEG have been reported by other scientists throughout the years as well. It was reported in studies conducted by Hung et al. (2007), Regel et al. (2007), Lowden et al (2011), Schmid et al. (2012), and Loughran et al. (2012). These results confirm previous findings of cellular EMF radiations affecting our EEG during non-REM sleep.

Additionally, there are studies done to investigate the effects of cell phone radiation and our auditory system. Two reports written by Kaprana et al. (2011) and Khullar et al (2013) showed effects on auditory brainstem response, two papers written by Panda et al (2010, 2011) concluded that long-term and intensive mobile phone use can damage the cochlea and the auditory cortex. Maskey et al. (2013) reported chemical changes in the superior olivary complex, a neural component of the auditory system, in mice, after chronic exposure to radio frequency radiation. 

More and more children are getting access to a cell phone or an iPad, so there has been a lot of debate and speculation that children are more susceptible and vulnerable to cell phone radiation. According to research done by scientists, it is very likely that the pattern of energy distribution of cell phone absorption is different for children and adults. 

Previous studies have indicated that humans and animals respond differently to cell phone radiation. For example, there are differences between *6-weeks old” and “12-months old” rats (Bouji et al. 2012). In another study, GSM (Global System of Mobiles) signals affected electrical activities of the brain in younger human adults (19-40 years old) rather than adolescents (13-15 years old) or elderly (55-70 years old). 

Leung et al. (2011) reported that cognitive performance affected adolescents but not in younger or older participants. Lastly, Vecchio et al. (2010) found differences in electric activities between young and elderly humans to cell phone signals.