Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on male fertility: A systematic review of experimental studies on non-human mammals and human sperm in vitro

Authors: Cordelli E, Ardoino L, Benassi B, Consales C, Eleuteri P, Marino C, Sciortino M, Villani P, Brinkworth MH, Chen G, McNamee JP, Wood AW, Belackova L, Verbeek J, Pacchierotti F

Year: 2024

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Environment International

Institution: Swinburne University of Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108509

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024000953

Abstract

Overview

The World Health Organization is conducting an international project focusing on the effects of RF-EMF exposure on health, with reproductive health outcomes as a key area of concern.

Objective

This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of RF-EMF exposure on the male fertility of experimental mammals and human sperm tested in vitro, referring to the frequency range of 100 kHz-300 GHz.

Methods

Examination of peer-reviewed, sham-controlled experimental studies.
Three electronic databases searched: PubMed, Scopus, EMF Portal.
Last searched on 09/17/2022 with two independent reviews screening the studies.

Findings

Risks of bias and small study size significantly impact the certainty of the results:

RF-EMF exposure may decrease pregnancy rates and affect sperm count in male rodents, albeit with moderate to low certainty.
Some indicators of potential reproductive toxicity and hormonal effects were found, but the evidence level varies greatly.
No consistent subgroup effects were observed in the meta-analysis for human. sperm in vitro studies due to limited data.

Conclusion

Further research with enhanced exposure characterization is recommended to better understand RF-EMF's impact on male fertility, considering the current limitations and consistency issues among existing studies.

RF-EMF male fertility non-human mammals human sperm systematic review experimental study

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