Radio Signals Effects on the Human Brain

Waves of manmade electromagnetic (EM) radiation in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum now permeate every location on Earth's surface. They come from radio station towers, wireless communication systems, and the GPS, TV/radio and defense satellites that blanket every corner of the planet with their signals. The vast majority of these radio signals are relatively weak, and there is no data suggesting that they affect the human brain. Studies are ongoing on possible medical applications or health risks of other specific types of radio energy.

What Qualifies as a Radio Signal?

• Radio signals are those waves of electromagnetic radiation that have a frequency between 0 hertz (Hz, or cycles per second) up to about 3 terahertz. A cycle is a single round of energy change in the wave--when the wave goes from its maximum energy level down to its minimum energy level and then back up to its maximum level.

  A wave with a frequency of, for example, 103 kHz would go through that round of energy change 103,000 times per second.

  Note that simply knowing the frequency of the wave does not provide any information about how powerful the wave's energy is and vice versa.

What Kinds of Radiation Affect the Human Body?

• The main forms of EM radiation that can negatively impact the human body are those with a frequency higher than visible light.

  Ultraviolet radiation (beginning at about 7.5 x 10^14 Hz), X-rays and gamma rays can knock atoms out of place in the DNA molecule, injuring cells and potentially causing disease, radiation sickness and death.

  Energetic particles released by radioactive materials can also cause damage.

  In everyday experience, EM radiation with a lower frequency doesn't hurt the body. However, there are exceptions when working with high-power waves. Infrared and microwave radiation are at a lower frequency than visible light, but at very high powers they can potentially cause injury or death.

How do Radio Waves Affect the Brain?

• The short answer is: They don't. In normal life, the radio waves of the surrounding environment are of an insufficient power to negatively impact health or affect brain function.

  Some researchers have argued that radio signals from cellular phones could affect the health of brain cells over time by causing temperature rise through energy absorption. Most studies of the issue, including one by the EU's Scientific Committee, have indicated that there is no negative health impact.

  A University of Toronto study of household cordless phones and wireless computer routers also found no measurable effects of their radio signals upon brain function.

  There is ongoing research into the prospect of using low energy radio waves to ameliorate cases of insomnia. So-called Low Energy Emission Therapy (LEET) delivers low-powered radio signals to the brain via a transmitting mouthpiece. Some studies have found that LEET successfully reduced symptoms of insomnia and improved sleep without causing negative side effects.