July 2008

Regression calibration used as a method to account for overestimation of self-reported mobile phone use.

The authors of the paper determined the validity of self-reported mobile phone use in 70 volunteers from self-reported and network operator data. They developed a statistical model using regression in order to get new bias-corrected exposure data. They obtained a coefficient of correlation of 0.71 (self-reported and network data) for average call time in minutes per month. There was no important improvement in the regression model when predictors of accuracy such as the pattern of mobile phone use, the method of choice of the response, or any demographic characteristics were entered into the model. The authors concluded that the use of regression calibration can determine the level of the overestimation in self-reported mobile phone use but that their results could be true only for this study and the use of other similar methods could help reduce bias present in other investigation.

Tokola K, Kurttio P, Salminen T, Auvinen A. Reducing overestimation in reported mobile phone use associated with epidemiological studies. Bioelectromagnetics Ahead of print 2 Jun 2008

For more see “Research – exposure assessment”
Go to abstract > 

Letter to Editor – Takebayashi study Japanese Interphone study

Hocking B. (2008): Japanese mobile phone study. British Journal of Cancer 98:1879.

For more see “Research – epidemiological – cell phone studies”
Go to letter >

Letter to Editor – Japanese Interphone study acoustic neuroma

Kundi M. (2008):  What can be learned from the Japanese study of mobile phone use and acoustic neuroma? Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 65:428.

For more see “Research – epidemiological – cell phone studies”
Go to letter >

Potential reduced fertility from exposure to radiofrequency equipment and radar in workers.

The study evaluated the possible relationship between  naval military men exposed to radiofrequency field (RF) equipment and radar and their reproductive health. The study participants completed a questionnaire about their exposure to RF, lifestyle, reproductive health, previous diseases, occupation, and education level. Occupational categories considered to be exposed to electromagnetic field were (1) telecommunications, (2) electronics, and (3) radar/sonar. Results of the study indicate an increased risk of infertility in workers in telecommunication (odds ratio (OR)=1.72 95% CI 1.04-2.85) and radar/sonar (OR=2.28 95% CI 1.04-2.85). The authors conclude that there is a possible relationship from being exposed to EMF in these two groups but that the results should be interpreted with caution.

Møllerløkken OJ,  Moen BE. (2008):  Is fertility reduced among men exposed to radiofrequency fields in the Norwegian Navy 29(410):345-352.

For more see “Research – epidemiological – other studies – military personnel”
Go to abstract >

Study of occupational exposure to radiofrequency fields (RF) show possible increase in male infertility.

Another study with military men in the Norwegian Navy was designed to assess RF and health effects such as male infertility and sex ratio of boys to girls at birth. Results show that infertility did increase with increasing exposure to radiofrequency fields. Odds ratio was 1.86 (95% CI; 1.46-2.37) for those who worked within 10 meters from high-frequency aerials compared to those who self-reported not working in close vicinity.  Significant linear trends were found with a lower ratio of boys to girls at birth for fathers who self-reported being exposed to high-frequency aerials and communication equipments.

Baste V, Riise T, Moen BE. Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields; male infertility and sex ratio of offspring. Eur J Epidemiol. Ahead of print 16 Apr 2008.

For more see “Research – clinical – other – reproduction”
Go to abstract>

Descriptive study on mobile phones use in Swedish adolescents and self-reported health symptoms.

The authors of the current study assessed the use of mobile phone in Swedish adolescents aged 15-19 years in a descriptive cross-sectional study. They also evaluated self-reported health symptoms related to mobile phone use. An 8 pages questionnaire was answered by 63% of those who received a copy. More than 99% of participants reported having access to a mobile phone and usage was more than 50% for 15 years old and more than 80% for 19 years old. Those who were regular mobile phone users reported health symptoms more frequently than those who used the mobile phone infrequently. It was concluded that perhaps this study would stimulate more complex studies to be launched to look into this issue further.

Söderqvist F, Carlberg M, Hardell L. (2008). Use of wireless telephones and self-reported health symptoms: a population-based study among Swedish adolescents aged 15-19 years. Environ Health. 7:18.

For more see “Research – clinical – general”
Go to abstract>

Apparent changes although not statistically significant in heart rate variability due to mobile phone use.

This study was designed to assess the neurological effect through heart rate variability from mobile phone use. Two heart rate parameters, scaling exponent and sample entropy, were both measured and showed an increase while the mobile phone was used close to the chest and a decrease when used close to the head. Although some changes occurred, the results could not be considered to be statistically significant.

Ahamed VI, Karthick NG, Joseph PK. (2008): Effect of mobile phone radiation on heart rate variability. Comput Biol Med 38(6):709-12.

For more see “Research – clinical – cardiovascular”
Go to abstract> 

Study finds mobile phone users report more frequently blurring of vision related to years of use but not other ocular symptoms.

Kücer’s study was a survey done with a questionnaire completed by 229 participants in Turkey. The objective of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of 6 ocular symptoms (blurring of vision, redness of the eyes, vision disturbance, secretion of the eyes, inflammation in the eyes, and lachrymation of the eyes. The results don’t provide any evidence that mobile phone causes any ocular symptoms other than blurring of vision for mobile phone users of more than 2 years. Also, women did significantly report more frequently inflammation in the eyes compared to men.

Küçer N (2008):  Some ocular symptoms experienced by users of mobile phones. Electromagn Biol Med. 27(2):205-9.

For more see “Research – clinical – other – vision”
Go to abstract>

Study shows apoptosis levels in neuroblastoma cells not affected after exposure to GSM 935 MHz radiofrequency. 

The objective of the study was to investigate whether GSM 935 MHz  radiation emitted by mobile phones would provoke apoptosis (cell death) in proliferating or differentiating neuroblastoma cells (brain cells). The authors exposed cells at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 2 W/Kg for 24 hours to 3 different GSM 935 MHz signal configuration. Numerous measurements were made during the 48 hours post-exposure to determine cell apoptosis. At any point in time post-exposure did the cells show any significant changes in apoptosis levels compared to sham-exposed cells. The conclusion of this research is that GSM mobile phone signals do not significantly affect cell death in neuroblastoma.

Moquet J, Ainsbury E, Bouffler S, Lloyd D. Exposure to low level GSM 935 MHz radiofrequency fields does not induce apoptosis in proliferating or differentiated murine neuroblastoma cells. Radiat Prot Dosimetry Ahead of print 10 Jun 2008.

For more see “Research – laboratory – other – cell death (apoptosis)”
Go to abstract > 

Spindle disturbances due to 835 MHz radiofrequency field in human-hamster hybrid.

The current research was designed to assess the health effect of non-ionizing radiation on the production of spindle disturbances in a human-hamster cell line. Results of the experiments from exposure to non-ionization radiation with field strength of 90 V/m and a frequency of 835 MHz during 0.5 to 2 hours indicate spindle disturbances at two stages of cellular divisions.

Schrader T, Münter K, Kleine-Ostmann T,Schmid E. Spindle disturbances in human-hamster hybrid (AL) cells induced by mobile communication frequency range signals. Bioelectromagnetics Ahead of print 30 May 2008.

For more see “Research – laboratory – other – cell cycle progression”
Go to abstract >

No health effects such as cell cycle, cellular migration, or invasion at specific absorption rate of 2 or 10 W/kg in mouse fibroblasts cells.

The objective of the Lee et al study was to assess whether 849 MHz radiofrequency field (RF) would affect cell cycle, cellular invasion and migration. Cells from mouse fribroblasts were exposed at average SAR of 2 or 10 W/kg for 1 hour, and also for 1 hour per day during 3 days. Analyses were performed 24 and also 48 hours following the RF and sham exposure. No significant differences were detected between the 2 groups for cell distribution, cellular invasion and migration although the authors state that the positive exposed group to ionizing radiation had some important changes to all 3 measured parameters.

Lee JJ , Kwak HJ, Lee YM, Lee JW, ParkMJ, Ko YG, Cho YD, Kim N, Pack JK, Hong SI, Lee JS.  
Acute radio frequency irradiation does not affect cell cycle, cellular migration, and invasion. Bioelectromagnetics. Ahead of print 30 May 2008.

For more see “Research – laboratory – other – cell cycle progression”
Go to abstract >

Cell phone radiation could potentially up-regulate mRNA of some proteins in rat brain.

In this experiment, rats were used and exposed to cell phones for 6 hours each day during a period of 18 weeks. The authors investigated whether changes in the levels of mRNA synthesis of a number of proteins would be affected by cell phone radiation. The results of the study indicate that mRNA of the proteins was up-regulated and this was judged to be statistically significant. The conclusion of the paper is that exposure to cell phone radiation could ultimately result in cumulative injuries and produce clinical neurological damage.

Yan JG, Agresti M, Zhang LL, Yan Y, Matloub HS (2008):  Upregulation of specific mRNA levels in rat brain after cell phone exposure. Electromagn Biol Med. 27(2):147-54.

For more see “Research – laboratory – brain function”
Go to abstract>

Review of mobile phone use and its affect on the auditory and central nervous system.

This review of the literature focuses on non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation on both the potential biolological alterations to the auditory and central nervous system which are directly exposed during mobile phone use. The authors conclude that no definitive conclusion can be drawn from the existing literature that mobile phone exposure produced adverse health effects. They state that there’s a need to clarify any health effects through additional studies.

Kaprana AE, Karatzanis AD, Prokopakis EP, Panagiotaki IE, Vardiambasis IO, Adamidis G, Christodoulou P, Velegrakis GA. Studying the effects of mobile phone use on the auditory system and the central nervous system: a review of the literature and future directions. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. Ahead of print 27 May 2008.

For more see “Research – clinical – other – hearing” and “Research – clinical – cognitive function”
Go to abstract>