Non-thermal biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation: Mechanistic insights into male reproductive vulnerability in the era of ubiquitous exposure

Abstract

Category: Reproductive Toxicology, Environmental Health Tags: radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, male fertility, oxidative stress, non-thermal effects, sperm quality, endocrine disruption, public health policy DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.109087 URL: sciencedirect.com Overview With the rapid expansion of wireless technologies, there is now continuous, low-intensity exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from sources like mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, and wearable devices. Although RF-EMR is non-ionizing, mounting evidence shows that chronic exposure can induce non-thermal biological effects, significantly affecting male reproductive health. Findings - RF-EMR activates oxidative stress in male reproductive cells. - It causes mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly in Leydig cells. - Impairments in testosterone synthesis and overall steroidogenesis are noted. - Sperm quality—including count and motility—declines following non-thermal RF-EMR exposure. - Damage occurs via oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, autophagy dysregulation, and HPG axis interference, even at absorption rates below current safety thresholds. - Redox imbalance, mitochondrial collapse, and steroidogenesis disruption underlie observed reproductive toxicity, with emerging evidence of epigenetic and transgenerational effects. Regulatory and Policy Gaps Current regulations set by groups like ICNIRP and FCC rely primarily on SAR-based thermal thresholds, which do not account for chronic, low-level non-thermal impacts like oxidative stress or hormonal imbalance. Research indicates such adverse effects can arise at SAR levels deemed "safe" by these standards. - Highlight the need for biologically relevant markers (such as oxidative stress, hormone changes, and genotoxicity) in exposure guidelines. - Advocate for inclusion of non-thermal endpoints in safety standards. Recommendations - Mandatory RF-EMR labeling for devices - Promotion of low-exposure practices (speakerphone, wired headphones, device distance, limiting use in low-signal zones) - Establishment of low-EMF zones in sensitive environments (schools, hospitals, transport) - Funding for longitudinal research and improved public communication - Routine RF-mapping for public awareness Conclusion Chronic, pervasive RF-EMR exposure clearly links to negative outcomes for male reproductive health, such as reduced sperm quality and altered testicular architecture—sometimes extending to subsequent generations. Because current safety standards focus almost exclusively on heating, they fail to address the complex long-term, non-thermal risks. Technological advancements demand updated, multidisciplinary regulatory frameworks and research efforts to ensure full reproductive safety in the modern wireless landscape.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

This narrative review states that chronic, low-intensity non-thermal RF-EMR exposure from ubiquitous wireless sources is linked to adverse male reproductive outcomes, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction (noted particularly in Leydig cells), impaired testosterone synthesis/steroidogenesis, and reduced sperm count and motility. It further claims these effects can occur at absorption rates below current SAR-based safety thresholds and discusses regulatory gaps and policy recommendations.

Outcomes measured

• oxidative stress
• mitochondrial dysfunction
• testosterone synthesis/steroidogenesis impairment
• sperm quality (count, motility)
• DNA damage
• apoptosis
• autophagy dysregulation
• HPG axis interference/endocrine disruption
• testicular architecture changes
• epigenetic/transgenerational effects

Limitations

• No specific study designs, populations, exposure metrics (frequency/SAR), or sample sizes are provided in the abstract.
• Claims are summarized broadly as 'mounting evidence' without detailing the underlying evidence base or heterogeneity.

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.78)
  Abstract explicitly discusses ICNIRP/FCC SAR-based thermal thresholds and argues for inclusion of non-thermal endpoints in guidelines.
• school-wi-fi (0.55)
  Recommends low-EMF zones in sensitive environments including schools; Wi‑Fi routers are listed as exposure sources.

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    "study_type": "review",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile phone, Wi‑Fi router, wearable devices",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "chronic, continuous, low-intensity exposure"
    },
    "population": "male reproductive cells (including Leydig cells); male reproductive health (general)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "oxidative stress",
        "mitochondrial dysfunction",
        "testosterone synthesis/steroidogenesis impairment",
        "sperm quality (count, motility)",
        "DNA damage",
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    "main_findings": "This narrative review states that chronic, low-intensity non-thermal RF-EMR exposure from ubiquitous wireless sources is linked to adverse male reproductive outcomes, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction (noted particularly in Leydig cells), impaired testosterone synthesis/steroidogenesis, and reduced sperm count and motility. It further claims these effects can occur at absorption rates below current SAR-based safety thresholds and discusses regulatory gaps and policy recommendations.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "No specific study designs, populations, exposure metrics (frequency/SAR), or sample sizes are provided in the abstract.",
        "Claims are summarized broadly as 'mounting evidence' without detailing the underlying evidence base or heterogeneity."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
    "confidence": 0.66000000000000003108624468950438313186168670654296875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation",
        "RF-EMR",
        "non-thermal effects",
        "male fertility",
        "sperm quality",
        "oxidative stress",
        "mitochondrial dysfunction",
        "Leydig cells",
        "testosterone",
        "steroidogenesis",
        "DNA damage",
        "HPG axis",
        "endocrine disruption",
        "epigenetic effects",
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    "suggested_hubs": [
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            "reason": "Abstract explicitly discusses ICNIRP/FCC SAR-based thermal thresholds and argues for inclusion of non-thermal endpoints in guidelines."
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            "reason": "Recommends low-EMF zones in sensitive environments including schools; Wi‑Fi routers are listed as exposure sources."
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}

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