Effect of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic radiation on pregnancy outcome: A meta-analysis
Abstract
Overview
Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic radiation (ELF-EMF), ranging from 1 to 300 Hz, emanates from electrical devices and power systems. These emissions have been debated for their potential health risks concerning pregnancy outcomes.
Findings
- Studies were aggregated through comprehensive database searches including PubMed, Web Of Science, Cochrane library, Embase, and EBSCO, supplemented by manual retrieval of relevant sources.
- Data analysis performed with Review Manager 5.3 software revealed no significant increase in risks like miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects, or preterm delivery for those exposed to ELF-EMF.
Conclusion
While no direct correlation was found between ELF-EMF exposure and several severe pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage and stillbirth, the impact on smaller gestational age and low birth weight remains uncertain. The call for further research, especially high-quality studies covering diverse geographical areas, is emphasized to ascertain comprehensive implications.