Abstract

Abstract Summary

Background

Concerns about the potential adverse effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on human health have been prominent. RF-EMF has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, although the evidence supporting this claim is weak.

Objectives

The main goal is to systematically review available scientific literature on the genotoxic effects induced by RF-EMF on in vitro mammalian cell cultures. The objective is to assess the confidence and quality of evidence regarding these effects.

Methods

• Databases such as NCBI PubMed, Web of Science, and EMF-Portal were utilized for literature sourcing.
• The review adheres to PRISMA guidelines for transparency and methodological rigor.

Results

Out of approximately 7750 records, 159 articles were considered credible. The bulk of experiments did not demonstrate significant genotoxic effects, with a large proportion of studies being rated as moderate to low quality.

Discussion

This review is the first to compile and evaluate the genotoxic effects of RF-EMF on in vitro mammalian cell cultures. It highlights the variation in experimental quality and outcome reliability across studies.

Conclusions

There is a limited and low level of evidence suggesting that RF-EMF exposure induces genotoxic effects. Most experiments show no significant effects on mammalian cells, reinforcing the need for enhanced methodological quality in future research.

Funding and Framework

This review is part of a larger study supported by the Italian Workers' Compensation Authority and conducted by several Italian research institutions.