Abstract

Overview

Low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been extensively studied due to their exponential increase alongside technological development. The World Health Organization (WHO) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classify radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B). This review focuses on the implications of parental exposure to EMFs and the development of cancers in the central nervous system (CNS) of children.

Objective and Methods

This systematic review aimed to compile all available evidence concerning the association between parental occupational exposure to EMFs and CNS cancer in children. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a thorough search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted, spanning publications from January 1990 to April 2021, using specific search terms related to occupational exposure and cancer.

• Study Count: Seventeen relevant studies were assessed, including 13 case-control studies, two cohort studies, and two meta-analyses.
• Study Variability: Significantly varied methodologies were noted, causing inconsistencies in results.

Findings

The reviewed studies depicted methodological diversity, leading to inconclusive outcomes. The heterogeneity of studies contributed to inconsistent findings regarding the effects of parental exposure to EMFs.

Conclusion

Despite extensive research, the evidence remains unclear, allowing no definitive conclusion on whether parental exposure to electromagnetic fields influences the development of CNS tumors in children. This ambiguity persists across different types of studied cancers, underscoring the necessity for more standardized research methods in future studies.