No effects of acute exposure to Wi-Fi electromagnetic fields on spontaneous EEG activity and psychomotor vigilance in healthy human volunteers

Mobile equipment use of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) signal modulation has increased exponentially in the past few decades. However, there is inconclusive scientific evidence concerning the potential risks associated with the deposition of energy in the brain produced, and that Wi-Fi electromagnetism interacts with cognitive function. In the present study, we investigated possible neurocognitive effects caused by Wi-Fi exposure. First, we constructed a Wi-Fi exposure system from commercial parts. Dosimetry was first assessed by free space radiofrequency RF field measurements; then, the experimental exposure system was modeled based on real geometry and physical characteristics. Specific absorption rate (SAR) calculations were performed in a whole-body, realistic human voxel model and the values corresponded to usual every-day Wi-Fi exposure (peak SAR10g level was 99.22 mW/kg with 1W output power and 100% duty cycle). Then, in two provocation experiments involving healthy human volunteers we tested the hypotheses 1) whether a 60 min long 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi exposure affects the spectral power of spontaneous awake electroencephalographic (sEEG) activity (N=25) and 2) whether similar Wi-Fi exposure modulates the sustained attention measured by reaction time (RT) in a computerized psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) (N=19). EEG data were recorded at midline electrode sites while volunteers watched a silent documentary. In the PVT task, button press RT was recorded. No measurable effects of acute Wi-Fi exposure were found on spectral power of sEEG or RT in PVT experiments. These results indicate that a single, 60 min Wi-Fi exposure does not alter human oscillatory brain function or objective measures of sustained attention.