Abstract

Overview

The study analyzes the correlation between radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure from wireless communication devices and health symptom reports in adolescents in Central Switzerland.

Methods

• A total of 439 adolescents aged 12-17 participated, with a follow-up rate of 97%.
• Data collection involved questionnaires and operator recorded mobile phone data for some participants.
• Rigorous RF-EMF dose measures and data analysis were employed considering behavioral and device usage factors.

Findings

Symptoms were more frequently associated with the extent of device usage, like the number of texts sent, rather than the RF-EMF exposure per se. Notably, outcomes such as tiredness showed stronger correlations with usage metrics rather than call durations or RF-EMF doses.

Conclusion

Results indicate a more substantial association between health symptoms and usage patterns of wireless devices than with RF-EMF exposure itself, suggesting other factors related to extensive device use may be more relevant to observed symptoms.