Source of funding and results of studies of health effects of mobile phone use: systematic review of experimental studies

Huss, Anke; Egger, Matthias; Hug, Kerstin; Huwiler-Müntener, Karin; Röösli, Martin (2007). Source of funding and results of studies of health effects of mobile phone use: systematic review of experimental studies. Environmental health perspectives, 115(1), pp. 1-4. Research Triangle Park, N.C.: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

[img]
Preview
Text
Huss CienSaudeColet 2008.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Publisher holds Copyright.

Download (50kB) | Preview

OBJECTIVES: There is concern regarding the possible health effects of cellular telephone use. We examined whether the source of funding of studies of the effects of low-level radiofrequency radiation is associated with the results of studies. We conducted a systematic review of studies of controlled exposure to radiofrequency radiation with health-related outcomes (electroencephalogram, cognitive or cardiovascular function, hormone levels, symptoms, and subjective well-being). DATA SOURCES: We searched EMBASE, Medline, and a specialist database in February 2005 and scrutinized reference lists from relevant publications. DATA EXTRACTION: Data on the source of funding, study design, methodologic quality, and other study characteristics were extracted. The primary outcome was the reporting of at least one statistically significant association between the exposure and a health-related outcome. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of 59 studies, 12 (20%) were funded exclusively by the telecommunications industry, 11 (19%) were funded by public agencies or charities, 14 (24%) had mixed funding (including industry), and in 22 (37%) the source of funding was not reported. Studies funded exclusively by industry reported the largest number of outcomes, but were least likely to report a statistically significant result: The odds ratio was 0.11 (95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.78), compared with studies funded by public agencies or charities. This finding was not materially altered in analyses adjusted for the number of outcomes reported, study quality, and other factors. CONCLUSIONS: The interpretation of results from studies of health effects of radiofrequency radiation should take sponsorship into account.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

04 Faculty of Medicine > Pre-clinic Human Medicine > Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)

UniBE Contributor:

Huss, Anke, Egger, Matthias, Huwiler, Karin, Röösli, Martin

ISSN:

0091-6765

ISBN:

17366811

Publisher:

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Language:

English

Submitter:

Factscience Import

Date Deposited:

04 Oct 2013 14:52

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 14:16

PubMed ID:

17366811

Web of Science ID:

000243299200024

BORIS DOI:

10.7892/boris.22107

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/22107 (FactScience: 30432)

Actions (login required)

Edit item Edit item
Provide Feedback