Complications of nonionizing radiofrequency on divided attention

J Cell Biochem. 2019 Jun;120(6):10572-10575. doi: 10.1002/jcb.28343. Epub 2019 Feb 3.

Abstract

Exposure to electromagnetic fields is considered as a potential hazard for biological systems. The objective of our investigation is the study of probable consequences of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from Wi-Fi router devices on the short-term memory, and attention's levels. A population consisting of 312 female college students (14 to 17 years old) was elected by cluster random sampling. Teenagers were divided into two groups of control group (Wi-Fi nonusers; n = 138), and experiment group (Wi-Fi users; n = 174). Both groups have been examined using short-term memory tests; selective attention, and also divided attention tests. According to the results, there was no significant difference between using Wi-Fi router devices on levels of selective attentions and short-term memory of the sample students with the control group. However, analyses revealed that there is a significant correlation between the use of Wi-Fi routers and declining levels of divided attentions. Our investigation has demonstrated the adverse consequences of 2.4-2.48 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields of Wi-Fi router devices on divided attention levels of female university students that should be mentioned as a technological risk factor and taken into account by healthcare organizations.

Keywords: electromagnetic fields; radiofrequency; short-term memory.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention*
  • Cell Phone
  • Electromagnetic Fields / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Memory, Short-Term
  • Wireless Technology / instrumentation*