The aim of this study was to assess whether GSM modulated RF fields have an adverse effect on the functional competence of human immune cells.

Blood was taken from 22 volunteers, and mononuclear cells (lymphocytes and monocytes) were separated. The cells were exposed to a GSM Basic 1950 MHz field, at a SAR of 1 W/kg, in an intermittent mode (5 minute on and 10 minute off) for 8 hours. The following immune parameters were evaluated: 1) the intracellular production of interleukin-2 and interferon gamma in lymphocytes, and interleukin-1 and tumour necrosis factor-a in monocytes were evaluated with monoclonal antibodies. 2) The activity of immune-relevant genes and housekeeping genes was analyzed with real-time PCR. 3) The cytotoxicity of lymphokine activated killer cells against a tumour cell line was determined in a flow cytometric test. For each parameter, blood samples of at least 15 donors were evaluated.

No statistically significant effects of exposure were found. There was no indication that emissions from cell phones are associated with adverse effects on the human immune system.