What evidence exists on the impact of anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on animals and plants in the environment? A systematic map protocol

{
  "publication_year": 2021,
  "study_type": "systematic_review",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "telecommunications sources (anthropogenic RF EMF)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Plants and animals in the environment",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "All outcomes related to the studied plant and animal populations (to be mapped)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "This article is a protocol for a systematic map that will collate and describe evidence on whether anthropogenic RF EMF (100 kHz–300 GHz) has negative effects on plants and animals. It describes planned search, screening, and data extraction methods but does not report results.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "Protocol only; no results reported",
    "Planned inclusion limited to English-language peer-reviewed and grey literature",
    "Focuses on mapping and identifying gaps rather than estimating pooled effects"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "high",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "stance": "neutral",
  "stance_confidence": 0.7,
  "summary": "This paper presents a protocol for a systematic map on the effects of anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on plants and animals in the environment. It outlines planned methods to search peer-reviewed and grey literature and to extract metadata on exposures and outcomes across studies. No findings on health or ecological effects are reported because this is a protocol.",
  "key_points": [
    "The protocol targets anthropogenic RF EMF exposures in the 100 kHz–300 GHz range.",
    "The subject populations include all plants and animals, comparing higher exposure to no or lower exposure.",
    "Searches are planned in EMF-Portal, PubMed, and Web of Science using a tested search string.",
    "Screening is planned at title, abstract, and full-text stages with kappa testing for consistency.",
    "Data extraction is planned to include bibliographic, taxonomic, exposure, outcome, and sample size information.",
    "Results are intended to be presented as a systematic map with visual summaries (e.g., heat maps) and identification of evidence gaps."
  ],
  "categories": [
    "RF EMF",
    "Environmental Effects",
    "Plants",
    "Animals",
    "Evidence Synthesis"
  ],
  "tags": [
    "Systematic Map Protocol",
    "Anthropogenic RF EMF",
    "Telecommunications",
    "Environmental Exposure",
    "Plants",
    "Animals",
    "Evidence Mapping",
    "Literature Search",
    "ICNIRP Guidelines",
    "Research Gaps"
  ],
  "keywords": [
    "radiofrequency",
    "electromagnetic fields",
    "anthropogenic",
    "environment",
    "plants",
    "animals",
    "systematic map",
    "protocol",
    "telecommunications",
    "ICNIRP"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [],
  "social": {
    "tweet": "Protocol for a systematic map to collate evidence on whether anthropogenic RF EMF (100 kHz–300 GHz) affects plants and animals in the environment; outlines search, screening, and data extraction methods (no results yet).",
    "facebook": "This open-access protocol describes how a systematic map will gather and organize evidence on potential effects of anthropogenic radiofrequency EMF on plants and animals, including planned searches, screening steps, and data extraction (no findings reported).",
    "linkedin": "A systematic map protocol detailing methods to identify and organize peer-reviewed and grey literature on environmental impacts of anthropogenic RF EMF (100 kHz–300 GHz) on plants and animals; focuses on evidence mapping and research gaps rather than results."
  }
}