Objectives: This study has been performed to investigate the frequency of use of electromagnetic field-producing equipment such as mobile phones, computers and television, in primary school aged children.

Materials and Methods: Students attending the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades of primary school in the city center of Elazığ, who were at school on that day were included in the study. A questionnaire form was filled out with direct observation for 6720 individuals.

Results: The mean age of students included in the study was 1.18±1.50, of whom 53.3% were male and 46.7% were female. 25.9% of the students had mobile phones. 11% had own mobiles and 22.9% always carried mobiles, 59.3% used computers. Of those who used computers, 56.5% used it to play games. The mean duration of computer use was 2.17±2.02 hours on weekdays, 2.68±2.39 hours in weekends. 99.9% watched TV. The mean duration of TV watching was 5.87±5.83 hours on weekdays, 5.22±3.93 hours in weekends. Mobile users had higher incidence of pulmonary infection, erythema and pruritis, lumbar and neck pain, than non-users. Computer users also declared higher rates of pulmonary infection.

Conclusion: In conclusion, students attending primary schools in the city center of Elazığ frequently used equipment causing electromagnetic field, such as mobile phones, television and computers. Therefore, training programs should be carried out to limit the use of devices producing electromagnetic fields among children, in cooperation between school administration and parents. ©2007, Fırat University, Medical Faculty