Study type: Epidemiological study (observational study)

Preliminary report: symptoms associated with mobile phone use epidem.

Published in: Occup Med 1998; 48 (6): 357-360

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The association between symptoms and mobile phone use was investigated in a survey in Australia.

Further details

The survey participants were recruited by a notice in a medical journal which led to some media publicity.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

Exposure

Assessment

Population

Study size

Type Value
Total 50
Participants 40

Results (acc. to author)

40 respondents described symptoms such as unpleasant warmth or a dull ache in the head, mostly occurring minutes after beginning a call. The symptoms did not occur when using an ordinary handset, and were different from ordinary headaches. 75 % of the cases were associated with digital mobile phones. Three respondents reported local symptoms associated with wearing their mobile phone on their belts.
The author concluded that further work is needed to determine the range of symptoms and their mechanisms.

Study funded by

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