Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) magnetic fields are produced by the flow of electrical current. They are measured in milligauss (mG) or microtesla (µT). Unlike electric fields, magnetic fields easily penetrate walls and most materials.
Based on Building Biology Institute guidelines (mG (milligauss)):
See where common exposures fall on the scale:
Showing 487 studies with measured magnetic fields (elf) exposure
Unknown authors
This technical report examines radio frequency and microwave spectrum characteristics across different frequency bands and electromagnetic field properties. The document appears to focus on the technical aspects of how electromagnetic fields behave across various frequencies. Understanding these fundamental properties is essential for evaluating potential health effects from different EMF sources.
Kapri-Pardes E et al. · 2017
Scientists exposed eight cell types to extremely low frequency magnetic fields and found that even very weak fields (0.15 microtesla) triggered cellular responses by activating growth proteins. However, these responses were too small to cause cancer or cell damage, suggesting minimal health risk.
Frank A. Brown, Jr.
This research by F. Brown examined how terrestrial electromagnetic fields influence animal orientation and navigation behaviors beyond visual cues. The study investigated connections between natural geomagnetic fields, circadian rhythms, and biological orientation mechanisms. This work helps establish the scientific foundation for understanding how animals naturally detect and respond to electromagnetic fields in their environment.
Г. А. СЛАСЮК · 1973
This 1973 Soviet research by G.A. Slasyuk investigated how magnetic fields affect human blood components, specifically studying changes in hemoglobin, red blood cells, and white blood cells. The study represents early scientific recognition that electromagnetic fields can produce measurable biological effects in human blood. This work contributed to the growing body of evidence that EMF exposure can alter fundamental cellular processes in the human body.
Nittby H et al. · 2012
Swedish researchers exposed land snails to cell phone radiation at 1900 MHz (the same frequency used by many mobile phones) for one hour, then tested their response to painful heat. The radiation-exposed snails showed significantly reduced sensitivity to pain compared to unexposed snails, suggesting the electromagnetic fields had an anesthetic-like effect on their nervous systems.
Martino CF, Castello PR · 2011
Scientists exposed cancer cells and healthy cells to weakened magnetic fields similar to reducing Earth's natural magnetism. Both cell types produced significantly less hydrogen peroxide, a molecule linked to cellular damage and cancer development, showing even extremely weak magnetic fields affect basic cellular functions.
Romano-Spica V, Mucci N, Ursini CL, Ianni A, Bhat NK · 2000
Italian researchers exposed blood and reproductive cells to radiofrequency radiation (50 MHz) combined with extremely low frequency modulation (16 Hz) to study effects on gene activity. They found that this specific combination activated the ets1 gene, which is associated with cancer development, but only when the low-frequency modulation was present. This suggests that the pulsing or modulation of RF signals may be more biologically active than continuous exposure.
Klug S, Hetscher M, Giles S, Kohlsmann S, Kramer K, · 1997
German researchers exposed developing rat embryos to radio frequency electromagnetic fields at various power levels for up to 36 hours to test whether EMF exposure during critical development stages causes birth defects or growth problems. The study found no significant effects on embryo development, growth, or cellular structure across all tested exposure levels, including levels far exceeding typical telecommunication device emissions. This suggests that RF fields at these intensities may not pose developmental risks during embryonic growth.
Unknown authors · 1975
The U.S. Navy sponsored research in 1975 examining the biological and ecological effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields, likely related to submarine communication systems. This government-funded study represents early official recognition that ELF fields warranted biological investigation. The research contributed to understanding potential environmental and health impacts of military ELF installations.
Calderón C et al. · 2013
Researchers tested 47 cell phones and found they emit extremely low frequency magnetic fields averaging 221 nanoteslas during typical use. Phone manufacturer and design created a two-fold difference in exposure levels, suggesting mobile phones contribute substantially to magnetic field exposure.
Valič B, Kos B, Gajšek P. · 2014
Researchers measured EMF exposure in 21 children under 17 using portable devices worn for over 2,400 hours total. They found average exposures were very low compared to safety guidelines - less than 0.03% for power line frequencies and less than 0.001% for wireless signals like WiFi and cell towers. Even the highest exposures recorded were still well below 1% of current safety limits.
De Roos AJ et al. · 2001
Researchers studied 538 children with neuroblastoma cancer to see if parents' workplace electromagnetic field exposure increased risk. Mothers exposed to radiofrequency radiation had nearly triple the odds, while fathers exposed to magnetic fields showed 60% higher odds, suggesting potential workplace EMF risks.
Leonard L. Libber, Thomas C. Rozzell
This technical report examined potential biological effects of SANGUINE, the U.S. Navy's extremely low frequency (ELF) communication system used to communicate with submarines worldwide. The study investigated whether the powerful ELF transmissions could impact human health or biological systems. This research was part of early efforts to understand health implications of large-scale military ELF installations.
C. J. Chilton
This review examined research on biological radio communication, exploring whether humans and other organisms might naturally transmit or receive electromagnetic signals. The study investigated concepts like telepathy, biocurrents, and electromagnetic field interactions with biological systems. While no specific findings are available, this represents early scientific inquiry into whether living beings use electromagnetic frequencies for communication.
C. J. Chilton
This review by Chilton examined the scientific literature on biological radio communication, exploring concepts like telepathy and electromagnetic field interactions with human biology. The study investigated whether humans might naturally transmit or receive electromagnetic signals through biological processes. This research represents early scientific inquiry into potential electromagnetic communication mechanisms in living systems.
Zhang J, Ding C, Meng X, Shang P · 2018
Researchers exposed bone cells to three different strengths of static magnetic fields to study how they affect osteoclast formation (cells that break down bone tissue). They found that very strong magnetic fields (16 Tesla) reduced osteoclast formation through increased nitric oxide production, while weaker fields (500 nT and 0.2 T) had the opposite effect. This suggests magnetic fields can influence bone health by altering cellular signaling pathways.
Stan Neuder · 1979
This 1979 technical report examined radiofrequency radiation exposure levels for workers operating industrial RF sealers, which use electromagnetic energy to heat and seal materials like plastics. The study assessed dose levels to help establish occupational safety guidelines for these high-power industrial devices. This represents early research into workplace EMF exposure from industrial equipment.
L. M. Libber · 1970
This 1970 research paper reviewed biological effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic radiation, particularly in relation to Project SANGUINE, the U.S. Navy's proposed submarine communication system. The study examined what was known about ELF radiation's impact on living organisms during early development of this massive military communication network.
Sazonova, T. Ye. · 1964
Soviet researcher Sazonova investigated how electromagnetic fields affect motor training and movement learning in birds during 1964. The study examined the brain's reticular formation (a network controlling arousal and motor function) and used novocain blocks to isolate specific neural pathways during magnetic field exposure. This early research explored whether EMF exposure could interfere with the brain's ability to learn and coordinate movement patterns.
Kazemi M et al. · 2018
Researchers exposed four male rhesus monkeys to 12 Hz magnetic fields for four hours daily over 30 days. The monkeys showed significantly improved visual working memory and increased brain chemicals linked to learning. This suggests certain EMF frequencies might enhance cognitive function.
R. Goodman et al. · 1994
Researchers exposed human and yeast cells to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (0.0008 to 0.08 millitesla) and found that these fields triggered the production of heat shock proteins - cellular stress response molecules normally produced when cells are damaged by heat or toxins. The cells responded to EMF exposure as if they were under biological stress, activating the same protective mechanisms they use against harmful conditions.
A. K. Mulatov, R. S. Stepanov, S. D. Kirlian, V. H. Kirlian
This technical report by Mulatov examined how biological objects respond when exposed to high frequency electrical fields. The research investigated electromagnetic effects on living systems, focusing on plasma formation and electron behavior at the cellular level. This type of foundational research helps scientists understand the basic mechanisms by which RF energy interacts with biological tissue.
Karimi SA, Salehi I, Shykhi T, Zare S, Komaki A. · 2019
Researchers exposed male rats to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) for 2 hours daily over 60 days at various intensities. They found that certain exposure levels improved memory retention and passive learning, but also increased anxiety-like behaviors and oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules). This suggests ELF-EMF exposure creates a complex mix of both beneficial and harmful effects on brain function.
Kottou S et al. · 2015
Greek researchers measured electromagnetic field levels in over 4,500 indoor locations across three regions, focusing on extremely low frequency magnetic fields and radiofrequency electric fields that health agencies consider possibly cancer-causing. They found that while EMF levels varied by location and distance from sources, all measurements remained well below current safety limits set by European regulators. The study provides baseline data on typical indoor EMF exposure levels in Greek homes.
de Groot MW, Kock MD, Westerink RH. · 2014
Researchers exposed nerve cells (PC12 cells) to 50 Hz magnetic fields at levels up to 1,000 microtesla for periods ranging from 30 minutes to 48 hours. They tested both healthy cells and chemically-stressed cells that were more vulnerable to damage. The magnetic field exposure caused no detectable effects on calcium levels, cellular damage, or oxidative stress in either type of cell.