Auteurs
Barker AT, Jackson PR, Parry H, Coulton LA, et al. (2007)

The authors recruited 120 healthy volunteers to participate in a study of the effect of RFR exposure on the cardiovascular system.  There were 6 exposure sessions, and at each session the subject was exposed to one of 6 different RF signals simulating both GSM and TETRA handsets in different transmission modes, including a sham exposure for the two signal types. There was a run-in period of 20 minutes and then the subject was exposed to one of the signals for 40 minutes. The sequence of exposure was randomized and the study was double-blind. Blood pressure (BP) was taken every 5 minutes. Heart rate recordings were made throughout. Blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the exposure period, for analysis of catechol (adrenaline and nor-adrenaline) levels. At the end of the session an ambulatory BP monitor was positioned to take readings at 20 minute intervals from 7.00 to 23.00 hours, and at 30 minute intervals from 23.00 to 7.00.

There were no significant differences in blood catechols before and after exposure, or in heart rate or BP that could be ascribed to the RF signals. There was a statistically significant decrease of 0.7 MM Hg with exposure to GSM handsets in sham mode, which the authors suggested might be due to a slight increase in operating temperature of the handsets when in this mode.

The authors state that their findings are in keeping with two other smaller studies, and suggest that further studies of acute changes in blood pressure due to GSM and TETRA handsets are not required.