Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to Cell Phone Use and Behavioral Problems in Children

• DOI: 10.1097/ede.0b013e318175dd47
• Publication Date: 2009-03-05T14:22:56Z
• Authors: Hozefa A. Divan; Leeka Kheifets; Carsten Obel; Jørn Olsen
• Keywords: Odds

Background: The World Health Organization has emphasized the need for research into possible effects of radiofrequency fields in children. We examined association between prenatal and postnatal exposure to cell phones behavioral problems young Methods: Mothers were recruited Danish National Birth Cohort early pregnancy. When children those pregnancies reached 7 years age 2005 2006, mothers asked complete a questionnaire regarding current health status children, as well past phone use. evaluated child's behavior using Strength Difficulties Questionnaire. Results: 13,159 completed follow-up reporting their use during pregnancy by child. Greater odds ratios observed who had or After adjustment potential confounders, ratio higher overall score was 1.80 (95% confidence interval = 1.45–2.23) with both phones. Conclusions: Exposure prenatally—and, lesser degree, postnatally—was associated difficulties such emotional hyperactivity around school entry. These associations may be noncausal due unmeasured confounding. If real, they would public concern given widespread this technology.