Effect of Electromagnetic Waves Emitted from Mobile Phone on Cognitive Functions in Males and Females

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: Use of mobile phones always raises the issue of health implications in humans.Gender differences in cognitive abilities have been reported as a neuropsychological feature for many years.So, it was planned to study the effect of electromagnetic waves (EMW) emitted from mobile phone (MP) oncognitive functions in males and females.Material and Method: The present study was conducted in 20 males and 20 female healthy subjects in theage group of 18 to 40 years using mobile phones for the last 5 years or more with per day exposure of at least30 minutes or more. Subjects with history of diseases of ear, eye and brain (neurological and psychological)or the presence of diabetes, hypertension and consumption of any drug were excluded.After explaining the whole procedure and seeking a written consent, the Trail making test A (TMT A), Trailmaking test B (TMT B) and TMT A + TMT B, Single letter cancellation test (SLC test) and the Playing cardtest (PC test) were performed before and after exposure to MP. Subjects were exposed to MP GSM Type,Samsung Model GT- N 7100, 902, MHz, SAR limit 2.0W/Kg, average power emitted 0.125 - o.25W/cm2for a period of 10 minutes. Statistical analysis was done by statistic package SPSS 20 using paired t test. Avalue of p<0.05 was considered significant.Results: TMT A time (sec) was reduced in both males and females, but significant reduction was seen infemales (< 0.05) after exposure to MP. On the contrary, on exposure to MP TMT B time (sec) was foundto be reduced significantly in males (< 0.05). But when both (TMT A + TMT B) are combined, significantreduction (< 0.05) was found in both males and females after exposure to EMW compare to pre -exposurevalue. On single letter cancellation test, time is decreased (< 0.05) in males, while score decreased (< 0.05)in female after MP use. Playing card test score was also found to be reduced (< 0.05) in males without anyeffect in female after exposure to MP.Conclusion: The cognitive functions in males and females are affected differentially by the EMW emittedfrom MP.