Abstract

Overview of the Study

The World Health Organization is coordinating an initiative to critically examine the evidence on the relationship between radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure and adverse health impacts. This systematic review focuses particularly on how RF-EMF exposure during pregnancy impacts offspring health among experimental animals.

Objectives and Methods

• Eighty-eight experimental studies on non-human mammals were included, with three key databases utilized: PubMed, Scopus, and EMF Portal.
• Specific inclusion criteria ensured all studies were original, sham-controlled, and peer-reviewed, spanning RF-EMF frequencies from 100 kHz to 300 GHz.
• Analysis includes both meta-analysis of average exposures and dose-response meta-analysis, avoiding studies with high risk of bias.

Key Findings

• Differentiated impacts based on the variable such as specific absorption rates (SAR) were noticed, including significant increases in negative outcomes at higher exposure levels.
• Small yet notable adverse effects on fetal weight, fetal length at birth, and congenital malformations were observed at certain SAR levels.
• No clear detrimental effects were noted regarding brain weight or literacy size, while moderate to large detrimental impacts were noticed in motor activity functions at specific cohorts.
• Overall, the results point towards uncertain impacts of RF-EMF but underline significant risks, particularly at high exposure levels.

Conclusion

This comprehensive review underscores the complexity and urgency in understanding the precise impacts of in utero RF-EMF exposure. Although some effects, like reduced fetal size and increased risk of malformations, are statistically significant, many results remain uncertain due to methodological limitations. It highlights the need for robust future research focusing on standardized testing conditions and extended exposure ranges to better assess health risks and guide public safety regulations effectively.