50-60 Hz electric and magnetic field effects on cognitive function in humans: A review

[en] This paper reviews the effect of 50-60 Hz weak electric, magnetic and combined electric and magnetic field exposure on cognitive functions such as memory, attention, information processing and time perception, as determined by electroencephalographic methods and performance measures. Overall, laboratory studies that have investigated the acute effects of power frequency fields on cognitive functioning in humans are heterogeneous, in terms of both electric and magnetic field (EMF) exposure and the experimental design and measures used. Results are inconsistent and difficult to interpret with regard to functional relevance for possible health risks. Statistically significant differences between field and control exposure, when they are found, are small, subtle, transitory, without any clear dose-response relationship and difficult to reproduce. The human performance or event related potentials (ERPs) measures that might specifically be affected by EMF exposure, as well as a possible cerebral structure or function that could be more sensitive to EMF, cannot be better determined.

Research Center/Unit :

BBEMG

Disciplines :

Public health, health care sciences & services
Environmental sciences & ecology

Author, co-author :

Crasson, Marion ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences cliniques > Psychiatrie et psychologie médicale

Language :

English

Title :

50-60 Hz electric and magnetic field effects on cognitive function in humans: A review

Publication date :

2003

Journal title :

Radiation Protection Dosimetry

ISSN :

0144-8420

Publisher :

Nuclear Technology Publ, Ashford, United Kingdom

Volume :

106

Issue :

Pages :

333-340

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Name of the research project :

Effets des champs électriques et magnétiques sur la santé, BBEMG

Available on ORBi :

since 22 October 2009

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