Use of Mobile Phones and Radiofrequency-Emitting Devices in the COSMOS-France Cohort
Abstract
Overview
COSMOS-France is the French segment of the international COSMOS project, a prospective cohort study focused on determining whether exposure to mobile phones and other wireless technology is linked to various health effects and symptoms, including:
- Cancers
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Neurologic pathologies
- Tinnitus
- Headaches
- Sleep and mood disturbances
Methods
A total of 39,284 Constances volunteers were invited during the pilot phase in 2017 and the main recruitment in 2019. Participants filled out detailed questionnaires regarding:
- Mobile phone usage (calls, VoIP, Wi-Fi)
- Cordless phone use
- Health status
- Personal characteristics (age, sex, education, BMI, smoking status, handedness)
Findings
Key findings from the analyzed dataset (18,502 respondents, 48.4% participation):
- 96.1% reported mobile phone use
- Typical calling habits: 5-29 minutes per week (37.1%), 1-4 calls per day (52.9%)
- Most used a single phone (83.9%) and did not share it (80.4%)
- Phone use was mostly on the dominant side of the head (59.1%), with limited hands-free or VoIP usage (84.9% did not use VoIP)
- Age and sex significantly affected usage patterns
- Education and smoking status were associated with call habits, but BMI and handedness were not
- Cordless phone use: 66.0%
- Wi-Fi use: 88.4%
Conclusion
This cross-sectional snapshot of mobile phone usage in France highlights that age and sex are crucial determinants of individual usage patterns. Importantly, the study is part of ongoing research exploring the potential health impacts—including cancer and neurological symptoms—linked to exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from mobile phones and radiofrequency-emitting devices.