Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on male fertility: A systematic review of experimental studies on non-human mammals and human sperm in vitro (SR 4)

Authors: Cordelli E, Ardoino L, Benassi B, Consales C, Eleuteri P, Marino C, Sciortino M, Villani P, Brinkworth MH, Chen G, McNamee JP, Wood AW, Belackova L, Verbeek J, Pacchierotti F

Year: 2024

Category: Reproductive Toxicology

Journal: Environment International

Institution: ENEA, Health Canada, Swinburne University of Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108509

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024000953

Abstract

Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) is coordinating an international effort to systematically review evidence regarding radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure and its potential for adverse health effects, with a focus on reproductive outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of RF-EMF exposure specifically on male fertility in experimental mammals and on human sperm exposed in vitro.

Methods

  • Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMF Portal) were searched as of September 17, 2022.
  • Inclusion criteria: sham-controlled experimental studies on non-human male mammals (exposed at any developmental stage) or human sperm in vitro; RF-EMF exposures between 100 kHz–300 GHz or electromagnetic pulses (EMP); reported indicators such as fertility rate, semen quality, reproductive organ toxicity, and hormonal effects.
  • Risk of bias (RoB) assessed via OHAT guidelines and certainty evaluated by GRADE approach; meta-analyses conducted with subgroup analyses for species, SAR, and temperature increase.

Findings

  • 117 papers on animal studies and 10 studies on human sperm in vitro met inclusion criteria; few studies were considered “low concern” for risk of bias.
  • Animal studies: Moderate certainty that RF-EMF exposure reduces pregnancy rate, moderate certainty that exposure does not reduce litter size, and low certainty that exposure reduces sperm count. All other endpoints, and all human in vitro results, had very low certainty.
  • Human sperm in vitro studies indicated a small detrimental effect on sperm vitality, but no effect on DNA/chromatin; certainty was very low.
  • Most studies used RF-EMF exposures higher than typical human exposures; lack of lower-exposure research limits conclusions about real-world risks.

Limitations

  • Significant number of studies excluded due to poor exposure characterization or reporting deficiencies.
  • Only a small proportion of studies achieved low concern for risk of bias; there are methodological limitations in many available studies.
  • Current evidence does not allow for confirmation or reconsideration of existing human exposure limits for RF-EMF.

Conclusion

  • This systematic review suggests possible detrimental effects of RF-EMF exposure on pregnancy rate and sperm count in experimental mammals. While effects on litter size appear null, and effects on human sperm in vitro are small and uncertain, the association between RF-EMF and fertility reductions should not be overlooked due to the background trend of declining male fertility in Western countries.
  • More comprehensive and higher-quality research—with better dosimetry, blinding, and exposure characterization, especially at lower, human-relevant exposure levels—is recommended. A particular priority is developing robust data on the best surrogate markers of male infertility in animal models and further human biomonitoring studies.
  • There is a known connection between RF-EMF exposure and adverse reproductive health outcomes in animal studies, and this relationship warrants further attention from policymakers and researchers for EMF safety standards and guidance.
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