Effect of electromagnetic field on abortion: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Effect of electromagnetic field on abortion: A systematic review and meta-analysis Masumeh Ghazanfarpour, Zahra Atarodi Kashani, Reza Pakzad, Fatemeh Abdi , Fatemeh Alsadat Rahnemaei, Pouran Akhavan Akbari, Nasibeh Roozbeh. Effect of electromagnetic field on abortion: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Open Medicine. doi: 10.1515/med-2021-0384 Abstract Background The increasing use of new technologies by pregnant women inevitably exposes them to the risks of the electromagnetic fields (EMFs). According to the World Health Organization, EMFs are the major sources of pollutants which harm human health. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of EMF exposure on abortion. Methods Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched until 2021. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using a random- effects model. Heterogeneity was explored using Cochran’s Q test and I 2 index. A meta-regression method was employed to investigate the factors affecting heterogeneity between the studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the credibility of the studies. Results Eligible studies (N = 17) were analyzed with a total of 57,693 participants. The mean maternal age (95% CI) was 31.06 years (27.32–34.80). Based on meta-analysis results, the pooled estimate for OR of EMF with its effects was 1.27 (95% CI: 1.10–1.46). According to the results of meta-regression, sample size had a significant effect on heterogeneity between studies (p: 0.030), but mother’s age and publication year had no significant effect on heterogeneity (p-value of both were >0.05). No publication bias was observed. Conclusion Exposure to EMFs above 50 Hz or 16 mG is associated with 1.27× increased risk of abortion. It may be prudent to advise women against this potentially important environmental hazard. Indeed, pregnant women should receive tailored counselling. Open access paper: degruyter.com
AI evidence extraction
Main findings
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 eligible studies (total 57,693 participants) reported a pooled odds ratio of 1.27 (95% CI: 1.10–1.46) for abortion associated with EMF exposure. The authors conclude that exposure to EMFs above 50 Hz or 16 mG is associated with increased risk of abortion and suggest precautionary counseling.
Outcomes measured
- Abortion (risk)
View raw extracted JSON
{
"publication_year": null,
"study_type": "meta_analysis",
"exposure": {
"band": "ELF",
"source": null,
"frequency_mhz": null,
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"duration": null
},
"population": "Pregnant women",
"sample_size": 57693,
"outcomes": [
"Abortion (risk)"
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"main_findings": "This systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 eligible studies (total 57,693 participants) reported a pooled odds ratio of 1.27 (95% CI: 1.10–1.46) for abortion associated with EMF exposure. The authors conclude that exposure to EMFs above 50 Hz or 16 mG is associated with increased risk of abortion and suggest precautionary counseling.",
"effect_direction": "harm",
"limitations": [],
"evidence_strength": "high",
"confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
"peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
"stance": "concern",
"stance_confidence": 0.8000000000000000444089209850062616169452667236328125,
"summary": "This systematic review and meta-analysis searched multiple databases through 2021 to assess whether EMF exposure is associated with abortion risk. Seventeen studies with 57,693 participants were included, and the pooled estimate suggested higher odds of abortion with EMF exposure (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10–1.46). The authors report no publication bias and state that sample size contributed to heterogeneity.",
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"Systematic review and meta-analysis searched major databases (including MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar) through 2021.",
"Seventeen eligible studies were included, totaling 57,693 participants.",
"The pooled odds ratio for abortion associated with EMF exposure was 1.27 (95% CI 1.10–1.46) using a random-effects model.",
"The paper states the association pertains to exposure above 50 Hz or 16 mG.",
"Meta-regression indicated sample size significantly affected heterogeneity, while maternal age and publication year did not.",
"The authors report no publication bias and used the Newcastle–Ottawa scale to assess study credibility.",
"The conclusion emphasizes potential risk and recommends prudence and tailored counseling for pregnant women."
],
"categories": [
"Pregnancy & Reproduction",
"Epidemiology",
"Extremely Low Frequency (ELF)"
],
"tags": [
"Systematic Review",
"Meta-Analysis",
"Pregnancy",
"Abortion Risk",
"ELF EMF",
"50 Hz",
"Magnetic Field (mG)",
"Odds Ratio",
"Random-Effects Model",
"Heterogeneity",
"Meta-Regression",
"Newcastle-Ottawa Scale"
],
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"electromagnetic field",
"EMF",
"abortion",
"pregnancy",
"systematic review",
"meta-analysis",
"50 Hz",
"16 mG"
],
"suggested_hubs": [],
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AI can be wrong. Always verify against the paper.
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