What evidence exists on the impact of anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on animals and plants in the environment? A systematic map protocol

Abstract

Overview

Radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF), especially from telecommunications, rapidly increase as anthropogenic environmental factors. While humans have protective standards based on International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines, these do not extend to animals and plants. The adequacy of such human-focused guidelines to safeguard the environment remains hotly debated.

Objectives

• Collate evidence on the impact of anthropogenic RF EMF on flora and fauna.
• Identify knowledge gaps and suggest areas for future research.
• Influence environmental and radiation safeguards.

Methods

The systematic map will gather peer-reviewed and grey literature in English from databases like the EMF—Portal, PubMed, and Web of Science using a comprehensive search string. Retrieved articles will be screened in multiple stages, and selected based on exposure to RF EMF (100 kHz–300 GHz), comparing affected and lesser or non-exposed plant and animal populations.

Findings

Data will be extracted for meta-analysis, including bibliographic data, taxonomic information, exposure metrics, outcomes, and sample sizes. Results will be presented in systematic maps, heat maps, and charts, illustrating the evidence and pinpointing gaps for further investigation.