Genotoxicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on mammalian cells in vitro: A systematic review with narrative synthesis

Authors: Romeo S, Sannino A, Scarfé MR, Lagorio S, Zeni O

Year: 2024

Category: Toxicology, Environmental Health, In Vitro Studies

Journal: Environment International

Institution: Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Istituto Superiore di Sanità

DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.109104

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024006901?via%3Dihub

Abstract

Overview

Concerns have escalated over the decades regarding the potential adverse health effects resulting from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF, 100 kHz - 300 GHz) emitted by wireless communication technologies. In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified RF-EMF as possibly carcinogenic to humans, yet the supporting evidence was considered weak and inconclusive. Notably, systematic and updated reviews of research, particularly those involving mechanistic studies, have been lacking.

Objectives

  • Systematically review the scientific literature for genotoxic effects induced by RF-EMF in in vitro mammalian cell models.
  • Assess the confidence and level of evidence regarding these effects.

Methods

Eligibility and analysis details are described in a published protocol (Romeo et al. 2021). Databases searched included NCBI PubMed, Web of Science, and EMF-Portal (as of December 31, 2022). The review followed NTP-OHAT guidelines tailored for in vitro research, with results synthesized narratively and classified by biological endpoint and exposure parameters. The report complies with PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Findings

  • From 7,750 unique records, 159 articles were selected, yielding 1,111 unique experiments.
  • 80% of experiments found no statistically significant genotoxic effects due to RF-EMF exposure.
  • Most studies showing positive effects were rated moderate to low in methodological quality, with concerns about bias.
  • Evidence limitations included frequent graphical-only reporting and data heterogeneity, preventing meta-analysis.

Conclusion

The systematic review found weak overall certainty of evidence for genotoxic effects of RF-EMF in mammalian cell cultures. The majority of experiments, especially those targeting irreversible alterations, showed no genotoxic effects regardless of exposure parameters (providing moderate evidence of no effect). Although analysis was qualitative, the findings suggest that RF exposure does not increase genotoxicity in vitro. The results underscore a pressing need for higher-quality, methodologically rigorous research, as methodological shortcomings remain prevalent in current literature.

Implications

Despite growth in research output, improved experimental methods are needed for reliable risk assessment. The study may inform expert panels and policymakers on RF-EMF safety, reinforcing the importance of addressing experimental bias and inconsistencies. Notably, RF-EMF exposure has been investigated for links to human carcinogenicity and genotoxic risk, and while this review finds moderate evidence of no genotoxic effect, a connection to health risks cannot be fully ruled out and merits continued scrutiny.

RF-EMF genotoxicity mammalian cells in vitro carcinogenicity systematic review electromagnetic fields
← Back to Stats