2012 Health Effects and Cell Phone Base Stations

8/11/2019 2012 Health Effects and Cell Phone Base Stations

1/11

Health Effects and Cell Tower Radiation

Rainbow Consulting www.buildingbiology.caKatharina Gustavs, Building Biology Environmental Consultant IBN Phone 250.642.2774

Mortality by neoplasia and cellular telephone base stations in the BeloHorizonte municipality, Minas Gerais state, Brazil.Dode AC, Leo MM, Tejo Fde A, Gomes AC, Dode DC, Dode MC, Moreira CW, Condessa VA,Albinatti C, Caiaffa WT.Text: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21741680?dopt=Abstract

AbstractPollution caused by the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of radio frequencies (RF) generated bythe telecommunication system is one of the greatest environmental problems of thetwentieth century. The purpose of this research was to verify the existence of a spatialcorrelation between base station (BS) clusters and cases of deaths by neoplasia in the BeloHorizonte municipality, Minas Gerais state, and to measure theBrazil, from 1996 to 2006human exposure levels to EMF where there is a major concentration of cellular telephonetransmitter antennas. A descriptive spatial analysis of the BSs and the cases of death byneoplasia identified in the municipality was performed through an ecological-epidemiologicalapproach, using georeferencing. The database employed in the survey was composed ofthree data banks: 1. death by neoplasia documented by the Health Municipal Department;2. BSs documented in ANATEL ("Agncia Nacional de Telecomunicaes":'Telecommunications National Agency'); and 3. census and demographic city populationdata obtained from official archives provided by IBGE ("Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia eEstatstica": 'Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics'). The results show thatapproximately 856 BSs were installed through December 2006. Most (39.60%) of the BSswere located in the "Centro-Sul" ('Central-Southern') region of the municipality. Between1996 and 2006, 7191 deaths by neoplasia occurred and within an area of 500 m from theBS, the mortality rate was 34.76 per 10,000 inhabitants. Outside of this area, a decrease in

The greatest accumulated incidence was 5.83the number of deaths by neoplasia occurred.per 1000 in the Central-Southern region and the lowest incidence was 2.05 per 1000 in theBarreiro region. During the environmental monitoring, the largest accumulated electric fieldmeasured was 12.4 V/m and the smallest was 0.4 V/m. The largest density power was40.78 W/cm(2), and the smallest was 0.04 W/cm(2).

2011Ecologicalstudy
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21741680?dopt=Abstracthttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21741680?dopt=Abstracthttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21741680?dopt=Abstracthttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21741680?dopt=Abstract


2/11



How does long term exposure to base stations and mobile phones affecthuman hormone profiles?Emad F. Eskander, Selim F. Estefan, Ahmed A. Abd-RabouAbstract: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009912011027330

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study is concerned with assessing the role of exposure to radio frequency radiation(RFR) emitted either from mobiles or base stations and its relations with human's hormoneprofiles.

Design and methodsAll volunteers are followed for 6 years and blood samples were collected regularly every 3years for time intervals of 1 year, 3 years and 6 years for hormonal analysis and the bloodsamples were taken at 8.0 a.m.

ResultsThis study showed reduction in volunteers' plasma ACTH, serum cortisol levels. Also, theyshowed decrease in the release of the thyroid hormones especially T3. In addition, each oftheir serum prolactin in young females (14 22 years), and testosterone levels significantlydropped due to long-term exposure to radio frequency radiation. Conversely, serumprolactin levels for adult females (25 60 years) significantly rose with increasing exposuretime.

ConclusionIn conclusion, the present study revealed that high radio frequency radiation effects onpituitary adrenal axis represented in the reduction of ACTH, cortisol, thyroid hormones,prolactin in young females, and testosterone levels.

2011Long-termstudy
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009912011027330http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009912011027330http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009912011027330http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009912011027330


3/11



Changes of Clinically Important Neurotransmitters under the Influence ofModulated RF Fields A Long-term Study under Real-life ConditionsKlaus Buchner and Horst EgerUmwelt-Medizin-GesellschaftFull text: http://www.buildingbiology.ca/pdf/rimbachstudy.pdf

AbstractThis follow-up of 60 participants over one and a half years shows a significant effect on theadrenergic system after the installation of a new cell phone base station in the village ofRimbach (Bavaria).After the activation of the GSM base station, the levels of the stress hormones adrenaline

during the first six months; the levels of theand noradrenaline increased significantlyprecursor . The initial levels were not restored even afterdopamine decreased substantiallyone and a half years. As an indicator of the dysregulated chronic imbalance of the stresssystem, the phenylethylamine (PEA) levels dropped significantly until the end of the studyperiod.The and occurred well below current limits foreffects showed a dose-response relationshiptechnical RF radiation exposures. Chronic dysregulation of the catecholamine system hasgreat relevance for health and is well known to damage human health in the long run.

2011Long-termstudy
http://www.buildingbiology.ca/pdf/rimbachstudy.pdfhttp://www.buildingbiology.ca/pdf/rimbachstudy.pdfhttp://www.buildingbiology.ca/pdf/rimbachstudy.pdfhttp://www.buildingbiology.ca/pdf/rimbachstudy.pdf


4/11



Mobile Phone Base Stations Effects on Wellbeing and HealthV. G. Khurana, L. Hardell, J. Everaert, A. Bortikiewicz, M. Carlberg, M. AhonenInternational Journal of Occupational and Environmental HealthFull text: http://www.brain-surgery.us/Khurana_et_al_IJOEH-Base_Station_RV.pdf

Description In this review, 10 epidemiological studies are discussed that consider exposure to RFradiation of cell towers and human health. On page 265, there is a great table, summarizingthe details of the 10 studies.

AbstractHuman populations are increasingly exposed to microwave/radiofrequency (RF) emissionsfrom wire- less communication technology, including mobile phones and their base stations.By searching PubMed, we identified a total of 10 epidemiological studies that assessed forputative health effects of mobile phone base stations. Seven of these studies explored theassociation between base station proximity and neurobehavioral effects and threeinvestigated cancer. We found that eight of the 10 studies reported increased prevalence ofadverse neurobehavioral symptoms or cancer in populations living at distances < 500meters from base stations. None of the studies reported exposure above acceptedinternational guidelines, suggesting that current guidelines may be inadequate in protectingthe health of human populations. We believe that comprehensive epidemiological studies oflong-term mobile phone base station exposure are urgently required to more definitivelyunderstand its health impact.

2010Review
http://www.brain-surgery.us/Khurana_et_al_IJOEH-Base_Station_RV.pdfhttp://www.brain-surgery.us/Khurana_et_al_IJOEH-Base_Station_RV.pdfhttp://www.brain-surgery.us/Khurana_et_al_IJOEH-Base_Station_RV.pdfhttp://www.brain-surgery.us/Khurana_et_al_IJOEH-Base_Station_RV.pdf


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Mobile Phone Base Stations Effects on Wellbeing and Health M. Kundi, H.-P. HutterPathophysiologyFull text: http://www.mreengenharia.com.br/pathfisology/Pathophysiology_2009_Kundi.pdf

Description

In this review, the available evidence of epidemiological investigations (9) as well asexperimental studies (6) on the relationship between exposure to RF radiation of cell towersand human health is assessed.

AbstractStudying effects of mobile phone base station signals on health have been discouraged byauthoritative bodies like WHO International EMF Project and COST 281. WHO recommendedstudies around base stations in 2003 but again stated in 2006 that studies on cancer inrelation to base station exposure are of low priority. As a result only few investigations ofeffects of base station exposure on health and wellbeing exist. Cross-sectional investigationsof subjective health as a function of distance or measured field strength, despite differencesin methods and robustness of study design, found indications for an effect of exposure thatis likely independent of concerns and attributions. Experimental studies applying short-termexposure to base station signals gave various results, but there is weak evidence that UMTSand to a lesser degree GSM signals reduce wellbeing in persons that report to be sensitiveto such exposures. Two ecological studies of cancer in the vicinity of base stations reportboth a strong increase of incidence within a radius of 350 and 400m respectively. Due to thelimitations inherent in this design no firm conclusions can be drawn, but the resultsunderline the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation of this issue. Animal and invitro studies are inconclusive to date. An increased incidence of DMBA induced mammarytumors in rats at a SAR of 1.4W/kg in one experiment could not be replicated in a secondtrial. Indications of oxidative stress after low-level in vivo exposure of rats could not besupported by in vitro studies of human fibroblasts and glioblastoma cells. From availableevidence it is impossible to delineate a threshold below which no effect occurs, however,given the fact that studies reporting low exposure were invariably negative it is suggested

that power densities around 0.5-1mW/m(2) must be exceeded in order to observe aneffect. The meager data base must be extended in the coming years. The difficulties ofinvestigating long-term effects of base station exposure have been exaggerated,considering that base station and handset exposure have almost nothing in common bothneeds to be studied independently. It cannot be accepted that studying base stations ispostponed until there is firm evidence for mobile phones.

2009Review
http://www.mreengenharia.com.br/pathfisology/Pathophysiology_2009_Kundi.pdfhttp://www.mreengenharia.com.br/pathfisology/Pathophysiology_2009_Kundi.pdfhttp://www.mreengenharia.com.br/pathfisology/Pathophysiology_2009_Kundi.pdfhttp://www.mreengenharia.com.br/pathfisology/Pathophysiology_2009_Kundi.pdf


6/11



Effects of Exposure to GSM Mobile Phone Base Station Signals on Salivary Cortisol,Alpha-Amylase, and Immunoglobulin A

Ch. Augner, G. W. Hacker, G. Oberfeld, M. Florian, W. Hitzl, J. Hutter, G. PauserBiomedical and Environmental SciencesSummary: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20708499?dopt=Abstract

AbstractObjective The present study aimed to test whether exposure to radiofrequencyelectromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by mobile phone base stations may have effects onsalivary alpha-amylase, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and cortisol levels. Methods Fifty sevenparticipants were randomly allocated to one of three different experimental scenarios (22participants to RF-EMF source was a GSM-900-MHz antenna located at the outer wall of thebuilding. In scenarios 1 and 2, the first, third, and fifth sessions were low (median powerflux density 5.2 W/m 2) exposure. The second session was high ( 2126.8 W/m 2), and thefourth sess ion was medium (153.6 W/m 2) in scenario 1, and vice versa in scenario 2.Scenario 3 had four low exposure conditions, followed by a high exposure condition.Biomedical parameters were collected by saliva samples three times a session. Exposurelevels were created by shielding curtains.Results In scenario 3 from session 4 to session 5 (from low to high exposure), anincrease of cortisol was detected , while in scenarios 1 and 2, a higher concentration ofalpha-amylase related to the baseline was identified as compared to that in scenario 3. IgAconcentration was not significantly related to the exposure. Conclusions RF-EMF inconsiderably lower field densities than ICNIRP-guidelines may influence certainpsychobiological stress markers.

2010ExperimentalStudy
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20708499?dopt=Abstracthttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20708499?dopt=Abstracthttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20708499?dopt=Abstracthttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20708499?dopt=Abstract


7/11



Specific Health Symptoms and Cell Phone Radiation in Selbitz (Bavaria,Germany) Evidence of a Dose-Response RelationshipH. Eger, M. JahnUmweltMedizinGesellschaft (original in German)Summary: http://www.umg-verlag.de/umwelt-medizin-gesellschaft/210_ej_z.pdf

Description The questionnaire contained 19 questions regarding health symptoms, including two controlsymptoms. From 1,090 questionnaires sent out, 255 were returned for analysis. Exposuregroups were classified as follows:Group 1: < 100 m distance; Group 2: 100-200 m distance; Group 3: 200-300 m distance;Group 4: 300-400 m distance; Group 5 or control group > 400 m distance. Actual RFmeasurements of cell phone base stations were taken; the main beam touches the groundat 200 m from the cell phone transmitters. Groups 1 and 2 have a mean exposure level of1.2 V/m (ca. 4,000 W/m 2) and groups 3 and 4 0.7 V/m (ca. 1,000 W/m 2). The controlgroup has a mean exposure level of 0.18 V/m (ca. 90 W/m 2).

ResultsWithin the 400-m radius around the transmitter, a higher symptom rate could bedocumented for 14 out of 19 symptom groups in the highest exposure groups 1 and 2 closeto the transmitter compared to groups 3 and 4 further away from the transmitter (Table 4).The difference is statistically significant.

AbstractIn January 2009 the administration of the Bavarian Municipality of Selbitz gathered relevantdata from 251 residents as part of a health survey. Subsequently, the data were assessedbased on the exposure levels of cell phone radiation.In a next step, the exposure levels based on residential location and available RFmeasurements of local cell phone radiation levels were used to classify participants intoexposure groups.

The mean radiation exposure level of the highest exposure group in Selbitz (1.2 V/m) wassubstantially higher than that of the study population in the QUEBEB study (1) of theGerman Mobile Phone Programme (mean value 0,07 V/m). For such symptoms as sleepproblems, depressions, cerebral symptoms, joint problems, infections, skin problems,cardiovascular problems as well as disorders of the visual and auditory systems and thegastrointestinal tract, a significant dose-response relationship was observed in relation toobjectively determined exposure levels. The impact of microwave radiation on the humannervous system serves as an explanation.Carried out without outside funds, the study presented here provides a protocol conceptthat allows physicians and municipalities to cooperate and assess the potential humanhealth impact of cell phone base stations located within residential areas.

2009SurveyQuestionnaire
http://www.umg-verlag.de/umwelt-medizin-gesellschaft/210_ej_z.pdfhttp://www.umg-verlag.de/umwelt-medizin-gesellschaft/210_ej_z.pdfhttp://www.umg-verlag.de/umwelt-medizin-gesellschaft/210_ej_z.pdfhttp://www.umg-verlag.de/umwelt-medizin-gesellschaft/210_ej_z.pdf


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The Influence of Being Physically Near to a Cell Phone TransmissionMast on the Incidence of Cancer H. Eger, K. U. Hagen, B. Lucas, P. Vogel, H. VoitUmweltMedizinGesellschaft (original in German)Full text: http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20041118_naila.pdf

Description After the installation of a new 935-MHz GSM transmission tower in Naila (Germany) in1993, the case histories of 967 patients were studied between 1994 and 2004. Cancerincidence in patients living within a 400-m radius was compared to those living furtheraway. RF exposure levels were calculated, but no actual measurements were taken.

ResultsAfter 5 years, the cancer incidence within the 400-m radius doubled compared to the groupliving further away. After 10 years, the cancer incidence within the 400-m radius tripled.

AbstractFollowing the call by Wolfram Knig, President of the Bundesamt fr Strahlenschutz (FederalAgency for radiation protection), to all doctors of medicine to collaborate actively in theassessment of the risk posed by cellular radiation, the aim of our study was to examinewhether people living close to cellular transmitter antennas were exposed to a heightenedrisk of taking ill with malignant tumors.The basis of the data used for the survey were PC files of the case histories of patientsbetween the years 1994 and 2004. While adhering to data protection, the personal data ofalmost 1,000 patients were evaluated for this study , which was completed without anyexternal financial support. It is intended to continue the project in the form of a register.The result of the study shows that the proportion of newly developing cancer cases wassignificantly higher among those patients who had lived during the past ten years at adistance of up to 400 metres from the cellular transmitter site, which has been in operationsince 1993, compared to those patients living further away, and that the patients fell ill onaverage 8 years earlier.

In the years 1999-2004, ie after ten years of operation of the transmitting installation, therelative risk of getting cancer had trebled for the residents of the area in the proximity ofthe installation compared to the inhabitants of Naila outside the area .

2004RetrospectiveCaseReview
http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20041118_naila.pdfhttp://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20041118_naila.pdfhttp://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20041118_naila.pdfhttp://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20041118_naila.pdf


9/11



The Microwave Syndrome: A Preliminary Study in SpainE. A. Navarro, J. Segura, M. Portols, C. Gmez-Perretta de MateoElectromagnetic Biology and MedicineFull text:http://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/the_microwave_syndrome_a_preliminary_study_in_spain_2003.pdf

Description The questionnaire contained 25 questions, most of them regarding health symptoms. 101 ofthe returned questionnaires were analyzed. Minimum exposure time was 6 hours per day, 7days a week. Electric field measurements were taken in the bedrooms (GSM 1800 MHz).The survey participants were divided into two groups: high-exposure group with an averageof 1,000 W/m 2 at < 150 m distance; low-exposure group with an average of 100 W/m 2 at> 250 m distance.

ResultsThe greatest correlation between RF radiation exposure and health symptoms was found fordiscomfort, irritability, and appetite loss. Fatigue, headache, difficulty in concentrating, andsleep disturbances also showed a significant correlation with regard to exposure levels.Symptom severity weakens at distances greater than250 m from the main RF source, namely at a power density level below 100 W/m 2 .

AbstractA health survey was carried out in Murcia, Spain, in the vicinity of a Cellular Phone BaseStation working in DCS-1800 MHz. This survey contained health items related to

microwave sickness or RF syndrome. The microwave power density was measured at therespondents' homes. Statistical analysis showed significant correlation between the declaredseverity of the symptoms and the measured power density. The separation of respondentsinto two different exposure groups also showed an increase of the declared severity in thegroup with the higher exposure.

2003SurveyQuestionnaire
http://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/the_microwave_syndrome_a_preliminary_study_in_spain_2003.pdfhttp://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/the_microwave_syndrome_a_preliminary_study_in_spain_2003.pdfhttp://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/the_microwave_syndrome_a_preliminary_study_in_spain_2003.pdfhttp://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/the_microwave_syndrome_a_preliminary_study_in_spain_2003.pdfhttp://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/the_microwave_syndrome_a_preliminary_study_in_spain_2003.pdf


10/11



Effects of Global Communication System Radiofrequency Fields on Well-Being andCognitive Functions of Human Subjects with and without Subjective Complaints.Zwamborn APM, Vossen SHJA, van Leersum BJAM, Ouwens MA, Makel WNNetherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO).Full text: http://www.rivm.nl/milieuportaal/images/Zwamborn2003COFAMrapport.pdf

DescriptionIn 2003, the Ministries of Health, Environment and Economics in the Netherlandscommissioned a study to compare UMTS and GSM mobile phone exposure (GSM 900, GSM1800, UMTS) with regard to potential health effects under double-blind randomizedconditions. The study was performed in an RF-controlled environment (anechoic chamber).Reaction time test, memory comparison test, visual selective attention test, dual taskingtest as well as a well-being questionnaire served to assess cognitive functions and well-being. Study participants were divided into two groups: those reporting complaints aboutEMF exposures and those who do not.

ResultsA statistically significant relationship was found for UMTS-like signals at 1 V/m (3,000W/m) and decreased well-being in both groups. The relationship for GSM-like signals wasnot statistically significant.

Comments"When the test group was exposed to third generation base station signals [UMTS], therewas a significant impact ... They felt tingling sensations, got headaches and felt nauseous," a spokeswoman for the Dutch Economics Ministry said. www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20030704_3g.asp

2003ExperimentalStudy
http://www.rivm.nl/milieuportaal/images/Zwamborn2003COFAMrapport.pdfhttp://www.rivm.nl/milieuportaal/images/Zwamborn2003COFAMrapport.pdfhttp://www.rivm.nl/milieuportaal/images/Zwamborn2003COFAMrapport.pdfhttp://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20030704_3g.asphttp://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20030704_3g.asphttp://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20030704_3g.asphttp://www.rivm.nl/milieuportaal/images/Zwamborn2003COFAMrapport.pdf


11/11



Study of the Health of People Living in the Vicinity of Mobile Phone Base Stations:I. Influences of Distance and SexElsevier (original in French)R. Santini, P. Santini, J. M. Danze, P. Le Ruz, M. SeigneFull text: http://www.emrnetwork.org/pdfs/santini_pathbio_eng.pdf

DescriptionThe questionnaire not only asked for health symptoms but EMF exposures as well, includingcell phone use, observed distance from cell phone base station, power lines, TV tower, etc.

ResultsCertain symptoms are experienced significantly more often, the closer survey respondentslive to the cell phone base stations: up through 300 m for tiredness, 200 m for headache,sleep disruption, discomfort, etc., 100 m for irritability, depression, loss of memory,dizziness, libido decrease, etc. Women significantly more often than men complained ofheadache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleep disruption, depression, discomfort and visualdisruptions.

AbstractA survey study using a questionnaire was conducted on 530 people (270 men, 260 women)living or not in the vicinity of cellular phone base stations, on 18 nonspecific healthsymptoms. Comparisons of complaint frequencies (CHI-SQUARE test with Yates correction)in relation to the distance from base stations and sex show significant (p 300 m or not exposed to base stations, up through 300 m fortiredness, 200 m for headache, sleep disruption, discomfort, etc., 100 m for irritability,depression, loss of memory, dizziness, libido decrease, etc. Women significantly more oftenthan men (p

2012 Health Effects and Cell Phone Base Stations

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