According to a study published in Cell & Bioscience, exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation negatively impacts attention in mice.
In short:
- Mice displayed signs of impaired attention after only 30 minutes of exposure to relatively high levels of RF radiation.
- The effects on attention lasted for up to 3 days after the initial exposure.
- The study also found that RF radiation exposure was associated with neuroinflammation, which likely contributes to inattention.
Key quote:
“Attention is necessary for high-level cognition, and attention deficits are the hallmark of psychiatric disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.”
Why this matters:
All wireless devices - including cell phones, WiFi routers, and the towers they depend on for service - emit RF radiation. While this radiation is different from high frequency radiation (like the type emitted by X-rays), a growing body of data suggests that it may still increase the risk for negative health effects. Scientists suggest that more research is needed to fully understand the impacts of exposure.
Related EHN coverage:
- Radiation from wireless devices disrupts testicular function in rats
- Regulations on radiation exposure remain unchanged for decades
More resources:
- WATCH: Collaborative for Health and Environment (CHE) webinar Health Hazards of Wireless Technologies: What do we know now? featuring Dr. Joel Moskowitz of UC Berkeley, who publishes the Electromagnetic Radiation Safety webpage.
Jiang, Shaofei et al. for Cell & Bioscience vol. 14. Jan. 4, 2024
