An investigation into the Physiological and Health Effects of Radio Frequency Exposure on Driver Performance

Project Member(s): Lal, S., Nguyen, H.

Start year: 2002

Summary: Radio frequency exposure from mobile phone usage in drivers is believed to have serious health and safety implications. However, to date, no studies have examined the physiological associations in drivers exposed to electromagnetic fields from mobile phones. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the changes in electroencephalography (EEG, brain activity) and autonomic factors (heart rate and blood pressure variability) that occur during driving in regular mobile phone users compared to non-users, to be assessed during a driver simulator task. EEG and autonomic activity will be obtained during fatige associated with prolonged driving. The findings will be utilised for the continued development of a physiological fatigue countermeasure device and fatigue management.

FOR Codes: Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Medical and Health Sciences not elsewhere classified, Autonomic Nervous System, Behaviour and health, Scientific instrumentation, Road safety, Scientific Instruments, Autonomic nervous system , Other health sciences not elsewhere classified, Occupational and workplace health and safety

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.