Impact of Radiofrequency Exposure from Mobile Phones on the Risk of Developing Brain Tumors in Korean and Japanese Adolescents: A MOBI-Kids Case-Control Study

Authors: Kojimahara N, Lee Y-H, Kyoung Lee A-K, Bae S, Jang Kwon H-J, Ha M, Sato Y, Taki M, Wiart J, Langer CE, Cardis E

Year: 06/17/2023

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Journal of Epidemiology

DOI: 10.2188/jea.JE20230005

URL: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jea/advpub/0/advpub_JE20230005/_pdf/-char/en

Abstract

Overview

This case-control study investigates the potential health risks associated with radiofrequency (RF) exposure from mobile phones and the development of brain tumors among adolescents in Korea and Japan. It forms part of the broader international MOBI-Kids study.

Methods

  • Involvement of 118 brain tumor patients and 236 controls aged 10–24, diagnosed between 2011 and 2015.
  • Use of detailed RF exposure algorithms to calculate odds ratios (ORs) using conditional logistic regression.

Findings

The study observed slightly increased adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for brain tumors among the highest users of mobile phones, but these were not statistically significant. Notable findings include:

  • Adjusted OR in the highest tertile of cumulative call time was 1.61 for all brain tumors.
  • No clear dose-response relationship was identified, and ORs for specific types of brain tumors like gliomas were below 1 in the lowest exposure categories.

Conclusion

While a slight increase in risk was noted among the heaviest mobile phone users, the evidence does not suggest a causal link between mobile phone RF exposure and the development of brain tumors. The findings underscore the need for ongoing research in this area, considering evolving technology and usage patterns.

radiofrequency exposure mobile phones brain tumors adolescent health case-control study epidemiology MOBI-Kids study
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