Mobile phone electromagnetic radiation and the risk of headache: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Sajjad Farashi, Saeid Bashirian, Salman Khazaei, Mojtaba Khazaei, Abdollah Farhadinasab

Year: 2022 Jan 22

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health

Institution: Int Arch Occup Environ Health

DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01835-x

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35064837/

Abstract

Overview

The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of mobile phones' electromagnetic fields (EMF) on headaches, a relevant public health concern given the ubiquitous use of mobile devices.

Purpose

Despite decades of research, there remains controversy and inconsistent findings regarding the connection between mobile phone EMF and headaches.

Methods

  • Comprehensive database search (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) following PRISMA guidelines.
  • Screening of abstracts and full texts led to the inclusion of 33 studies, with a quantitative synthesis conducted on 30 of them.
  • Statistical heterogeneity and publication bias evaluated using I2 statistic, Q test, funnel plots, and Egger's and Begg's tests.

Findings

  • The pooled effect size indicated an odds ratio (OR) of 1.30 (95% CI 1.21-1.39), suggesting a significant association between mobile phone use and increased headache incidence.
  • Subgroup analysis revealed that both age and EMF exposure duration contributed to variability in outcomes, with longer call durations particularly exacerbating headache risks.

Conclusion

Increasing the duration of mobile phone calls, particularly among older individuals, was strongly correlated with higher risk of headaches. This study underlines the need for awareness and potentially policies to mitigate EMF exposure from mobile phones.

EMF mobile phones headache meta-analysis public health electromagnetic radiation systematic review
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