Study type: Epidemiological study (observational study)

Self-reported symptoms associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields: a questionnaire study epidem.

Published in: Electromagn Biol Med 2014; 33 (1): 15-17

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A survey was conducted in Turkey to investigate the association between self-reported physical symptoms and mobile phone and computer use.

Further details

Remark EMF-Portal: It is not stated why 16 min daily use were chosen for categorization of the exposure groups. It is not clear which aspects of mobile phone use (e.g. calling, texting, playing games) and of computer use (e.g. monitor, cathode ray tube monitor, WLAN) were investigated.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

Type of risk estimation:

Exposure

Assessment

Exposure groups

Group Description
Group 1 daily mobile phone use: < 16 min
Group 2 daily mobile phone use: > 16 min
Group 3 daily computer use: < 16 min
Group 4 daily computer use: > 16 min

Population

Study size

Type Value
Total 350
Participants 350
Statistical analysis method:

Results (acc. to author)

A significant increase in headache, hearing loss and joint and bone pain was observed in people who reported a daily mobile phone use of more than 16 min compared to participants with daily mobile phone use of less than 16 min. A significant increase in headache, vertigo/dizziness and tension-anxiety was reported by participants with daily computer use of more than 16 min compared to participants with less than 16 min computer use. Women reported significantly more headache, vertigo/dizziness, fatigue, forgetfulness and tension-anxiety than men.

Study funded by

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