Objectives: There is concern regarding the possible health effects of cellular phone 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 wellbeing).
Data sources: We searched Embase, Medline and a specialist database in February 2005 and scrutinised reference lists from relevant publications.
Data extraction: Data on the source of funding, study design, methodological 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 analysed using logistic regression models.
Data synthesis: Of 59 studies, 12 (20%) were exclusively funded 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 exclusively funded 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 to 0.78), compared to 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.

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