Real time effects of mobile phone radiation on working memory : a systematic review & meta-analysis

My objective was to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of real-time mobile phone radiation (RF-EMF) impacts upon working memory performance in humans. To be eligible for inclusion the studies needed to include response time and/or accuracy measures for real and sham exposure, using a mobile in a natural position against the head for talking, within a controlled environment. Following the eligibility screening and data reduction, I produced a global meta-analysis that used all 19 reports and 733 participants. A random-effects model (Cohen's d) generated a point estimate of negligible size that was not statistically significant, SMD = 0.04, p = 0.54, 95% CI [-0.06, 0.14]. This result is consistent with the most previous meta-analyses of 2017, with further refinements of only pulsed (GSM) radiofrequency of real-time effects, and inclusion of four further studies. While the global meta-analysis was not significant, there were substantial risks of bias informing this outcome. Detection biases of exposure conditions (power and duration), research funding management, and individualised testing would improve the validity and reliability of future research. Related research increasingly focus upon impacts from varied environmental sources of RF-EMF and controlled trials could support the conclusions. The systematic review and meta-analysis process should also continue with unbiassed removal of flawed studies. This acknowledges the value of evidence-based decision making for managing real effects to inform public health decision-making.