Symptoms and the use of wireless communication devices: A prospective cohort study in Swiss adolescents

Environ Res. 2017 Apr:154:275-283. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.01.004. Epub 2017 Jan 20.

Abstract

Background: We investigated whether radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from mobile phones and other wireless devices or by the wireless device use itself due to non-radiation related factors in that context are associated with an increase in health symptom reports of adolescents in Central Switzerland.

Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 439 study participants (participation rate: 36.8%) aged 12-17 years, completed questionnaires about their mobile and cordless phone use, their self-reported symptoms and possible confounding factors at baseline (2012/2013) and one year later (2013/2014). Operator recorded mobile phone data was obtained for a subgroup of 234 adolescents. RF-EMF dose measures considering various factors affecting RF-EMF exposure were computed for the brain and the whole body. Data were analysed using a mixed-logistic cross-sectional model and a cohort approach, where we investigated whether cumulative dose over one year was related to a new onset of a symptom between baseline and follow-up. All analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders.

Results: Participation rate in the follow-up was 97% (425 participants). In both analyses, cross-sectional and cohort, various symptoms tended to be mostly associated with usage measures that are only marginally related to RF-EMF exposure such as the number of text messages sent per day (e.g. tiredness: OR:1.81; 95%CI:1.20-2.74 for cross-sectional analyses and OR:1.87; 95%CI:1.04-3.38 for cohort analyses). Outcomes were generally less strongly or not associated with mobile phone call duration and RF-EMF dose measures.

Conclusions: Stronger associations between symptoms of ill health and wireless communication device use than for RF-EMF dose measures were observed. Such a result pattern does not support a causal association between RF-EMF exposure and health symptoms of adolescents but rather suggests that other aspects of extensive media use are related to symptoms.

Keywords: Adolescents; Dose; Mobile phone; RF-EMF; Symptoms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Behavioral Symptoms / etiology*
  • Cell Phone*
  • Child
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Electromagnetic Fields / adverse effects*
  • Environmental Exposure / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radio Waves / adverse effects*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Switzerland
  • Telephone*