Adverse Effects of Wi-Fi Radiation on Male Reproductive System: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Extensive use of Wi-Fi has contributed to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) pollution in environment. Various studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of RF-EMR emitted by Wi-Fi transmitter on male reproduction health. However, there are conflicting findings between studies. Thus, this review aims to elucidate the possible effects of 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi exposure on both animal and human male reproductive system. A computerized database search performed through MEDLINE via Ovid and PUBMED with the following set of keywords: 'Wi-Fi or WiFi or wireless fidelity or Wi-Fi router or WiFi router or electromagnetic or radiofrequency radiation' AND 'sperm or spermatozoa or spermatogenesis or semen or seminal plasma or testes or testis or testosterone or male reproduction' had returned 526 articles. Only 17 studies conformed to pre-set inclusion criterion. Additional records identified through Google Scholar and reviewed article further revealed six eligible articles. A total of 23 articles were used for data extraction, including 15 studies on rats, three studies on mice, and five studies on human health. Sperm count, motility and DNA integrity were the most affected parameters when exposed to RF-EMR emitted by Wi-Fi transmitter. Unfortunately, sperm viability and morphology were inconclusive. Structural and/or physiological analyses of the testes showed degenerative changes, reduced testosterone level, increased apoptotic cells, and DNA damage. These effects were mainly due to the elevation of testicular temperature and oxidative stress activity. In conclusion, exposure towards 2.45 GHz RF-EMR emitted by Wi-Fi transmitter is hazardous on the male reproductive system.

Preliminary study of the toxicity and radioprotective effects of zymosan in vitro and in vivo

“…Humans are inevitably exposed to some radiation derived from various trace radionuclides, such as cosmic rays [14], buildings [15], and necessary daily activities [16], but these natural sources of radiation rarely cause fatal radiation damage to human beings. However, the development and utilization of arti cial radiation sources such as nuclear power stations, nuclear reactors, and nuclear weapons have forced mankind to face new life-threatening risks [17].…”

Preliminary study of the toxicity and radioprotective effects of zymosan in vitro and in vivo

“…Humans are inevitably exposed to some radiation derived from various trace radionuclides, such as cosmic rays [1], buildings [2], and Wi-Fi radiation [3], but these natural sources of radiation rarely cause fatal radiation damage to human beings. However, the development and utilization of artificial radiation sources such as nuclear power stations, nuclear reactors, and nuclear weapons have forced mankind to face new life-threatening risks [4].…”

Behavioral impairments and biochemical alterations in brain following exposure to WiFi radiation and aluminum in rats

“…Radiofrequency radiation are reported harmful for immune [6][7][8], reproductive [9][10][11], cardiovascular [12] endocrine [13] and other body systems. Although the brain is recognized among the most vulnerable organs to radiofrequencies [14,15], there are many controversies regarding neurological outcomes of these radiation in both laboratory animals [16] and humans [17].…”