Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

The systematic review addresses the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure ranging from 100 kHz to 300 GHz, used in various applications, on specific symptoms in both the general and working populations. The primary focus includes conditions such as tinnitus, migraines, headaches, sleep disturbances, and composite symptom scores.

Methodology

• Study Selection: Inclusion of case-control and prospective cohort studies, focusing on populations exposed for at least one week.
• Data Sources: Systematic searches were conducted in Web of Science and Medline, among others.
• Risk Analysis: Usage of the Risk of Bias tool by OHAT, tailored specifically to this review.
• Synthesis: Application of random effects meta-analysis.

Findings

In total, 13 studies involving 486,558 participants primarily from Europe were analyzed. The investigation into tinnitus, migraines, headaches, sleep disturbances, and composite symptoms suggested that RF-EMF exposure below regulated guideline values likely does not induce symptoms, though the evidence is marked by very low certainty owing to various research limitations.

Conclusion

The synthesis indicates a non-significant impact of low-level RF-EMF on health symptoms, denoting the necessity for future research with refined methodologies to better ascertain these relationships and manage inherent research challenges. Despite substantial uncertainty, this represents the best current evidence supporting RF-EMF safety below guideline thresholds.

Additional Details

The review enjoys partial funding from the WHO's radioprotection program. The registration and protocol details of the study are documented in Prospero and published in Environment International (2021).