Exposure to mobile telecommunication networks assessed using personal dosimetry and well-being in children and adolescents: the German MobilEe-study
2008

Mobile Phone Exposure and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents

Sample size: 3022 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Thomas Silke, Kühnlein Anja, Heinrich Sabine, Praml Georg, Kries Rüdiger, Radon Katja

Primary Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich

Hypothesis

Is there an association between exposure to mobile telecommunication networks and well-being in children and adolescents?

Conclusion

The study found that exposure to mobile phone frequencies in children and adolescents was far below the current safety reference levels.

Supporting Evidence

  • The median exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields was 0.18% for children and 0.19% for adolescents.
  • Personal dosimetry was shown to be a well-accepted tool for studying exposure to mobile phone frequencies.
  • The study included a population-based sample from four Bavarian cities.

Takeaway

This study looked at how using mobile phones might affect kids' health, and it found that the levels of exposure were very low and not harmful.

Methodology

The study used personal dosimetry to measure exposure levels in a population-based sample of children and adolescents.

Potential Biases

There is a potential for awareness bias, as participants may overestimate their exposure and symptoms due to their concerns.

Limitations

The study may have selection bias as more concerned parents and adolescents were more likely to participate.

Participant Demographics

Children aged 8-12 and adolescents aged 13-17, primarily of German nationality.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-069X-7-54

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