Clin Exp Reprod Med.  2012 Mar;39(1):1-9. 10.5653/cerm.2012.39.1.1.

Effect of electromagnetic field exposure on the reproductive system

• Gye MC
• Park CJ

• KMID: 2167513
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2012.39.1.1

Abstract

The safety of human exposure to an ever-increasing number and diversity of electromagnetic field (EMF) sources both at work and at home has become a public health issue. To date, many in vivo and in vitro studies have revealed that EMF exposure can alter cellular homeostasis, endocrine function, reproductive function, and fetal development in animal systems. Reproductive parameters reported to be altered by EMF exposure include male germ cell death, the estrous cycle, reproductive endocrine hormones, reproductive organ weights, sperm motility, early embryonic development, and pregnancy success. At the cellular level, an increase in free radicals and [Ca2+]i may mediate the effect of EMFs and lead to cell growth inhibition, protein misfolding, and DNA breaks. The effect of EMF exposure on reproductive function differs according to frequency and wave, strength (energy), and duration of exposure. In the present review, the effects of EMFs on reproductive function are summarized according to the types of EMF, wave type, strength, and duration of exposure at cellular and organism levels.

Keyword

Electromagnetic field; Reproduction

MeSH Terms

Animals
DNA Breaks
Electromagnetic Fields
Embryonic Development
Estrous Cycle
Female
Fetal Development
Free Radicals
Germ Cells
Homeostasis
Humans
Magnets
Male
Organ Size
Pregnancy
Public Health
Reproduction
Sperm Motility
Free Radicals