Mobile phones use low powered radio transmitters that emit radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in order to communicate with a base station.
A recent study led by the Swiss Tropic and Public Health Institute, reveals the RF-EMF exposure by mobile phone use close to the head may have adverse effects on the development of memory performance of teenagers.
The study involving nearly 700 teenagers in Switzerland found that cumulative RF-EMF brain exposure from mobile phone use over one year may have a negative effect on the development of figural memory performance in adolescents.
Other aspects of mobile phone use, such as sending text messages, playing games or Internet browsing cause only marginal RF-EMF exposure to the brain and were not associated with the development of memory performance.
The most effective way to reduce exposure to RF-EMF is to increase the distance between the mobile phone and the user. Martin Röösli, Head of Environmental Exposures and Health at Swiss TPH says, “Potential risks to the brain can be minimised by using headphones or the loudspeaker while calling, in particular when network quality is low and the mobile phone is functioning at maximum power.”