Characterization of pulsed ELF magnetic fields generated by GSM mobile phone handsets

Abstract

Human provocation studies that investigate the effects of Global System for Mobiles (GSM) communication systems on the brain have focused on RF exposure. We wish to further extend such study by investigating the effect of both RF and ELF magnetic field exposure, the latter being emitted by the GSM handset’s battery switching. The use of a commercial handset as an exposure source for such investigations is problematic and therefore a simulated exposure source, capable of producing both RF and ELF components of exposure, is desirable. As a first step in developing such a source, we have quantified and characterized the ELF radiation from several commercial handsets (the RF characteristics being already well understood). Here we present experimental results where, field distribution, and pulse waveform characteristics at ELF frequencies are measured. Finally, an equivalent source suitable for reproducing the ELF component of human exposure to GSM handset radiation is proposed.