The effect of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on cognitive performance in human experimental studies: Systematic review and meta-analyses (SR 6)

Authors: Pophof B, Kuhne J, Schmid G, Weiser E, Dorn H, Henschenmacher B, Burns J, Danker-Hopfe H, Sauter C, Pophof B

Year: 2024

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Environment International

DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108899

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024004859?via%3Dihub

Abstract

Overview

The objective of this review is to evaluate the associations between short-term exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and cognitive performance in human experimental studies.

Methods

Researchers searched online databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMF-Portal) for studies evaluating RF-EMF effects on seven domains of cognitive performance. Study quality was assessed using the Risk of Bias (RoB) tool from the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT). Random effects meta-analyses of Hedges's g were performed separately for accuracy- and speed-related cognitive measures when at least two studies contributed data. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE criteria.

Findings

  • Out of 57,543 records, 76 studies (80 reports, 3,846 participants) from 19 countries (1989-2021) were included. Meta-analyses incorporated 50 studies (52 reports, 2,433 participants, 2001-2021).
  • Most studies used head exposure with GSM 900 uplink.
  • No statistically significant effects of RF-EMF exposure, compared to sham, were found on cognitive performance across domains, as indicated by confidence intervals around Hedges's g and z-statistics.
  • Across specific cognitive domains (attention, working memory, perception, memory, motor skills, reasoning, mathematical procedures), RF-EMF exposure consistently resulted in little to no difference in both speed and accuracy of task performance.
  • Some uncertainty remains for 16 out of 35 subdomains due to limitations in study quality, result inconsistency, or lack of precision.

Discussion

Overall, findings from all domains and subclasses provide certainty ranging from high to low that short-term RF-EMF exposure does not reduce cognitive performance in human experimental studies. There is still uncertainty regarding motor performance and limited data on children, the elderly, and both sexes separately. More robust, age-specific, and sex-specific studies are recommended in the future.

Implications for Practice and Policy

This systematic review provides mostly moderate to high certainty of evidence that short-term RF-EMF exposure at SAR levels within current international safety recommendations does not negatively affect the main domains of cognitive function. It is important to recognize, however, that limitations and uncertainties remain, and the link between EMF exposure and potential health risks should be continually monitored with further research.

Implications for Research

  • Studies on motor performance, elderly, and children are needed.
  • Future studies should be designed to minimize risk of bias, improve data reporting, and allow sex- and age-stratified analyses.
  • Makes recommendations for data transparency and robust study design.

Funding and Conflicts of Interest

Review was partially funded by the WHO radioprotection programme. Authors declared no financial interests influencing this work. Several authors are advisors to national and international health organizations related to non-ionizing radiation safety.

Link to full open access paper.

RF-EMF exposure cognitive performance meta-analysis human studies systematic review health risk EMF safety
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