Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiations, emitted by a cellular phone, modify cutaneous blood flow

Background. Our surroundings are full of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) of different frequency and power. The non-ionizing EMRs emitted by television, computer and cellular phone (CF) sets have been increasing over the past few years. Objective: The aim of our study was to assess the effects of non-ionizing EMRs (frequency 3 x 10(8) to 3 x 10(11) Hz), emitted by CFs, on cutaneous blood flow in healthy volunteers. Methods: Thirty healthy volunteers (14 male and 16 female; age: 18-53 years) entered the study. Measurements of cutaneous blood flow were taken under standard conditions (temperature and humidity), using a laser Doppler He-Ne flowmeter that was applied to the ear skin by an optical fibre probe. Microflow values were recorded without CF contact with the skin (T-0), with the CF turned off but in contact with the ear skin (T-1), with CF contact and turned on (T-2), with CF contact, turned on and receiving (T-3). The microflow values were also recorded backwards: with CF contact and set turned on (T-4), with CF contact and turned off (T-5), without CF contact (T-6). Results: The mean value of basal microflow (T-0), expressed as perfusion units (PU), was 51.26 +/- 11.93 PU. During the T, phase, the microflow increase was 61.38%; in T-2 it was 131.74%, in T-3 157.67%, in T-4 139.21% and in T-5 122.90%; in T-6, the microflow value was 57.58 +/- 10 PU (similar to the basal microflow). Statistically significant cutaneous microflow values (p < 0.050) were observed comparing the T, to T5 values with basal microflow (T-0). Furthermore, in comparison with T-1 values (CF turned off in contact with the ear skin), the T-2, T-3 and T-4 data were statistically significant (T-2 vs. T-1: t = 7.763 with p < 0.050; T-3 vs. T-1: t = 9.834 with p < 0.050; T-4 vs. T-1: t = 8.885 with p < 0.050). Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.