The effects of radiofrequency exposure on male fertility and adverse reproductive outcomes: A protocol for two systematic reviews of human observational studies with meta-analysis

Authors: Ryan P.W. Kenny, Evelyn Barron Millar, Adenike Adesanya, Catherine Richmond, Fiona Beyer, Carolina Calderon, Judith Rankin, Mireille Toledano, Maria Feychting, Mark S Pearce, Dawn Craig, Fiona Pearson

Year: 2022

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Environment International

DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106968

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412021005936

Abstract

Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) is focused on synthesizing evidence regarding the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on health, aiming to guide exposure guidelines. This abstract introduces a systematic review protocol for evaluating RF-EMF's effects on male fertility and reproductive outcomes.

Objectives & Methods

  • Follow WHO and COSTER guidelines to study RF-EMF's impact on male fertility and pregnancy outcomes through PRISMA-P reporting.
  • Broad literature search across MEDLINE, Embase, EMF Portal, grey literature, and consultations with RF-EMF experts.
  • Inclusion criteria: Quantitative studies on adult male infertility and pregnancy results like preterm births and miscarriages.
  • Study appraisal via dual-reviewer screening and data extraction, using OHAT risk of bias tools and GRADE guidelines for certainty of evidence.

Conclusion

Details on protocols for two systematic reviews focus on presetting scope and methods to minimize reviewer bias, enhancing transparency, replicability, and improving the review process overall.

Registration Info

Prospero registration CRD42021265401 (SR3A), CRD42021266268 (SR3B).

radiofrequency male fertility reproductive outcomes systematic review meta-analysis EMF health guidelines
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