Epidemiological Study (survey)

Preliminary report: symptoms associated with mobile phone use. epidemiol.

PubMed Entry

Journal web site

Aim of study (according to author)
The association between symptoms and mobile phone use was investigated in a survey in Australia.
Background/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

• symptoms of discomfort: cranial symptoms, neurological symptoms, atypical symptoms, waist symptoms

Exposure

• mobile communication system, analog mobile phone, digital mobile phone, personal exposure
• type of exposure: personal
• assessment by interview (type of mobile phone)

Population
Study group: men and women
Group characteristics: respondents
Observation period: 1996
Study location: Australia

Further parameters acquired by interview (general health, headache report, symptoms associated with mobile phone usage, occupation)

Study size
number total	50
number participating	40

Results/conclusion (according 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 character: epidemiological study, survey)

Study funded by

• not stated/none

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• Oftedal G et al. (2000): Symptoms experienced in connection with mobile phone use.