Abstract

Overview

The increase in the use of intermediate frequency (IF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in both occupational equipment and domestic appliances has raised concerns about potential reproductive risks. The World Health Organization highlights a significant gap in scientific evidence to evaluate these risks within exposure limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.

Findings

• A comprehensive literature review from the 1800s to the present was carried out to investigate the effects of IF EMFs on female reproduction across various species.
• The studies included experimental, epidemiological, in vivo, and in vitro research, showing inconsistent results regarding the impact of IF on female reproductive health.
• While some studies suggest IF could be harmful during pregnancy, others indicate no significant effects. The conflicts in results may limit drawing definitive conclusions due to varied experiment parameters such as field strength, frequency, and modulation.
• In the medical field, this frequency range has been deemed safe for non-invasive treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous ovarian cells during initial phases.

Conclusion

This review emphasizes the necessity for prioritized and more comprehensive research on the IF range's effects on reproduction to overcome the current limitations and discrepancies in existing studies. Despite its usage in treating cancer, the contradictory nature of current findings demands further investigation into IF's safety.