Investigating the impact of anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on animals and plants in the environment: analysis from a systematic map

Abstract

Overview

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) from anthropogenic sources have become ubiquitous in the environment. While international guidelines exist to protect human health from excessive exposure, there are no specifically established exposure guidelines to protect plants and animals. A previous systematic map identified 334 studies investigating the effects of RF EMF exposure from anthropogenic sources on animals and plants. This study analyzed the effect of RF EMF and its relationship to different exposure parameters and the quality of those studies.

Findings

• Statistically significant inverse relationships were found between effect size and exposure-level parameters for studies investigating effects in animals.
• Quality score was found to be more indicative of the magnitude of the effect size than exposure-level parameters or exposure duration.
• The study underscores the need for further, high-quality research on the effects of RF EMF exposure on plants and animals.

Quality Score

✔️ A quality assessment was performed for included studies, distinguishing between experimental and observational research using established methods. Quality scores ranged from 0 (poor) to 5 (high), based on criteria such as dosimetry, use of controls, blinding, and temperature monitoring for experimental studies, or exposure assessment, subject selection, confounders, follow-up, and outcome assessment for observational studies.

⭐ Studies were rated as 'poor quality' (QS = 2), 'average quality' (QS > 2 - < 3.5), and 'good quality' (QS = 3.5).

Effect Size

📊 The effect size (ES) was extracted from relevant studies, mapping the magnitude of biological effects, with ES = 0 indicating no effect and ES > 0 showing varying degrees of impact. The largest statistically significant effect was recorded for studies with multiple endpoints.

Conclusion

🔬 The systematic map shows that study quality correlates more strongly with effect size than exposure parameters or duration, challenging assumptions about safety thresholds. Evidence clusters indicate notable effects in insect and bird reproduction, development, and behaviour, as well as grain and legume germination and growth, requiring further systematic review and meta-analysis.

⚠️ The findings highlight critical gaps: additional studies on more animal and plant species, exploration of uninvestigated effects, and improvements in both observational and experimental study quality are needed. These results caution that animals and plants may be affected at exposure levels below current human limits, stressing the importance of further research into the EMF risks for environmental safety.