Abstract

Overview

This critical appraisal discusses the systematic review (SR7) published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2024, analyzing the impact of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on health outcomes such as tinnitus, migraine/headache, and sleep disturbances in human observational studies.

Findings

• The WHO initiated expert consultations in 2012, updated in 2019, focusing on RF-EMF exposure and its health impacts.
• The reviewed SR7, which is the second systematic review, has been evaluated against the standards established by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine.

Conclusion

The authors express concerns about the scientific quality of SR7, suggesting it might mislead readers about the safety of current RF-EMF exposure limits. They recommend retraction of SR7 and an independent international review of the existing evidence and future research priorities.