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Symptoms experienced by users of digital cellular phones: a pilot study in a French engineering school.

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Santini R, Seigne M, Bonhomme-Faivre L, Bouffet S, Defrasne E, Sage M · 2001

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Higher frequency cell phones (1800 MHz) caused more concentration problems than lower frequency phones (900 MHz) in this early user survey.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

French researchers surveyed 161 engineering students and workers about symptoms they experienced while using digital cell phones operating at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies. They found that users of the higher frequency phones (1800 MHz) reported significantly more concentration difficulties, while women experienced more sleep disturbances than men. Phone users also reported physical discomfort including ear warmth and pricking sensations that increased with longer daily use.

Why This Matters

This early study from 2001 provides important real-world evidence that different cell phone frequencies can produce different symptom patterns in users. The finding that 1800 MHz phones caused more concentration problems than 900 MHz phones suggests that higher frequencies may have more pronounced neurological effects. What makes this research particularly valuable is that it captured user experiences during the early days of digital cell phone adoption, before widespread habituation to these devices. The dose-response relationship they documented - where longer daily use correlated with more physical symptoms - aligns with what we'd expect from a biological effect rather than psychological factors alone. While this was a relatively small pilot study, it anticipated many of the cognitive and sleep-related complaints that have become increasingly common as cell phone use has exploded over the past two decades.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 900 MHz - 1.80 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 900 MHz - 1.80 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 1800-MHz and 900-MHz (GSM) cellular phones

Study Details

A survey study, using a questionnaire, was conducted in 161 students and workers in a French engineering school on symptoms experienced during use of digital cellular phones.

A significant increase in concentration difficulties (p<.05) was reported by users of 1800-MHz (DCS)...

Cite This Study
Santini R, Seigne M, Bonhomme-Faivre L, Bouffet S, Defrasne E, Sage M (2001). Symptoms experienced by users of digital cellular phones: a pilot study in a French engineering school. Pathol Biol (Paris) 49(3):222-226, 2001. .
Show BibTeX
@article{r_2001_symptoms_experienced_by_users_2564,
  author = {Santini R and Seigne M and Bonhomme-Faivre L and Bouffet S and Defrasne E and Sage M},
  title = {Symptoms experienced by users of digital cellular phones: a pilot study in a French engineering school.},
  year = {2001},
  doi = {10.1081/JBC-120003113},
  url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1081/JBC-120003113},
}
DOI: 10.1081/JBC-120003113

Cited By (51 papers)

View all 51 citing papers on Semantic Scholar

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, a 2001 French study found that users of 1800 MHz cell phones experienced significantly more concentration difficulties compared to 900 MHz phone users. The research surveyed 161 engineering students and workers about symptoms they experienced while using digital cellular phones.
Yes, research shows women report sleep disturbances from cell phone use more often than men. A French study of 161 users found that women significantly complained more about sleep problems related to cellular phone use compared to their male counterparts.
Research suggests 1800 MHz phones may cause more symptoms than 900 MHz phones. A 2001 study found users of higher frequency 1800 MHz phones reported significantly more concentration difficulties compared to those using 900 MHz phones.
Yes, cell phone users report physical ear symptoms including warmth, discomfort, and pricking sensations. A French study found these symptoms increased with longer daily calling duration and more frequent phone calls throughout the day.
Daily cell phone use is associated with concentration difficulties, sleep disturbances, and physical ear symptoms like warmth and pricking. Research shows these effects increase with longer calling duration and frequency of use per day.