The effects of radiofrequency exposure on cognition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of human observational studies

Authors: Benke G, Abramson MJ, Brzozek C, McDonald S, Kelsall H, Sanagou M, Zeleke BM, Kaufman J, Brennan S, Verbeek J, Karipidis K

Year: 2024

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Environment International

DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108779

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024003659

Abstract

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the long-term effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) on cognitive indicators, such as learning and memory, executive function, complex attention, language, perceptual motor ability, and social cognition, including the investigation of an exposure-response relationship between RF-EMF and cognition.

Methods

  • Searches conducted in PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, and EMF-Portal, up to September 30, 2022, including studies without language or date restrictions.
  • Inclusion criteria: Cohort or case-control studies assessing RF exposure's effects on cognitive function.
  • Risk of bias assessed using the OHAT tool; synthesis via fixed effects meta-analysis.
  • Certainty of evidence evaluated with the GRADE approach.

Findings

  • In total, 5 studies from 4 cohorts (4639 participants: 2808 adults, 1831 children; Australia, Singapore, Switzerland; 2006–2017).
  • Main exposure: Mobile (cell) phone use (calls per week or minutes per day).
  • Children (2 studies, 615 participants): Little effect on accuracy or response time for memory and learning tasks (low certainty).
  • Little or no effect on executive function (very low certainty) or complex attention (low certainty).
  • No assessment of global cognitive function or other cognitive domains in children.
  • Elderly: One study with very low certainty evidence of little to no effect of mobile phone use on global cognitive function, executive function, or complex attention.
  • No exposure-response relationship identified for any cognitive outcomes.

Conclusion

  • Only a few studies provided low or very low certainty evidence of little or no association between RF-EMF exposure and selected cognitive domains.
  • Gaps included lack of studies on global cognition in children and limited data in elderly populations.
  • Further research is needed on various populations, exposures, and cognitive outcomes. Attention should be paid to uncertainties in exposure assessment and standardization of cognitive testing to increase evidence certainty.

⚠️ Connection to EMF Health Risk

This review highlights that though most included studies reported low or very low certainty of evidence of little to no effect of RF-EMF exposure on cognition, the small number of available studies and gaps in research suggest that health risks from EMF cannot be ruled out. More rigorous and extensive studies are necessary to clarify the potential link between EMF exposure and adverse cognitive or health outcomes.

radiofrequency electromagnetic fields cognition systematic review meta-analysis mobile phone health risk
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