Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) on cancer in laboratory animal studies (WHO SR2)

Authors: Meike Mevissen, Jerrold M. Ward, Annette Kopp-Schneider, James P. McNamee, Andrew W. Wood, Tania M. Rivero, Kristina Thayer, Kurt Straif

Year: 2022

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Environment International

Institution: World Health Organization

DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107106

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022000320

Abstract

Overview

Background: The carcinogenic potential of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) has been under scrutiny since the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)'s classification of RF EMF as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) in 2011. The World Health Organization (WHO), recognizing the importance of this area, prioritized several key topics related to RF EMF for systematic reviews in 2018.

Objective

This study aims to systematically review experimental laboratory animal research to assess the carcinogenic risks of RF EMF exposure.

Methods

  • Application of WHO's Handbook for guideline development (2014) with adaptations.
  • Selection based on the PECO criteria - Population, Exposures, Comparators, and Outcomes.
  • Extensive literature review across multiple databases such as MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus.
  • Utilization of the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for presenting methods and results.
  • Assessment via the OHAT risk of bias tool and GRADE approach for final evaluation.

Funding and Competing Interest

The WHO partially funded this study. Several authors declared potential competing interests related to their employment and advisory roles in related fields.

EMF cancer radiofrequency laboratory animals carcinogenicity health risk WHO
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