6,486 Studies Reviewed. 85.2% of Original Studies Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.

Power Line EMF Research

ELF Magnetic Fields

Research on extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields from high-voltage transmission lines and distribution lines.

922
Studies
85%
Showed Bioeffects
1
EMF Type
50/60
Hz

About Power Lines EMF

  • -Every time you flip a light switch or plug in an appliance, you're tapping into an electrical grid that requires power lines to carry electricity from power plants to your home.
  • -These overhead and underground transmission lines create extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields as electricity flows through them - and unlike the electric fields that walls can block, these magnetic fields pass right through buildings, cars, and human tissue.
  • -While power companies have long maintained these fields pose no health risks, our database contains 476 peer-reviewed studies on ELF magnetic field exposure, with 87% finding measurable biological effects.

Every time you flip a light switch or plug in an appliance, you're tapping into an electrical grid that requires power lines to carry electricity from power plants to your home. These overhead and underground transmission lines create extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields as electricity flows through them - and unlike the electric fields that walls can block, these magnetic fields pass right through buildings, cars, and human tissue.

Related Studies (922)

Effects of the Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on NMDA-Receptor Gene Expression and Visual Working Memory in Male Rhesus Macaques.

Kazemi M et al. · 2018

Researchers exposed male rhesus macaques to extremely low frequency magnetic fields at 0.7 μT for 4 hours per day over 30 consecutive days, at either 1 Hz or 12 Hz. Visual working memory scores and plasma melatonin levels increased significantly in the animals exposed to 12 Hz, but not in those exposed to 1 Hz. NMDA receptor gene expression also increased at 12 Hz exposure, while hippocampal volume did not increase significantly at either frequency.

Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on turkeys.

Laszlo AM et al. · 2018

Researchers exposed turkeys to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (50 Hz; 10 μT) for 3 weeks and then observed the birds for a 5-week regeneration period without exposure. Norepinephrine-activated β-adrenoceptor function decreased in the treated birds in a time-dependent manner, while toxicological parameters in the serum showed no differences compared to normal ranges. The decreased β-adrenoceptor function was compensated by the homeostatic complex during the 5-wk regeneration period.

RKIP-Mediated NF-κB Signaling is involved in ELF-MF-mediated improvement in AD rat.

Zuo H, Liu X, Wang D, Li Y, Xu X, Peng R, Song T. · 2018

Researchers created an Alzheimer's disease rat model using D-galactose and Aβ25-35 injections, then exposed the animals to 50 Hz and 400 µT ELF-MF for 60 continuous days. ELF-MF exposure partially improved the cognitive disorder and upregulated the levels of RKIP, TAK1, and the RKIP/TAK1 interaction, but downregulated p-IKK levels in AD rats. The researchers suggested that ELF-MF exposure might have a potential therapeutic value for AD.

Low Frequency Stimulation Reverses the Kindling-Induced Impairment of Learning and Memory in the Rat Passive-avoidance Test.

Esmaeilpour K et al. · 2018

Hippocampal kindled rats showed deficits in learning and memory in the passive-avoidance test. Low-frequency stimulation reversed the impairment in learning and memory behavior in kindled rats. Low-frequency stimulation also diminished kindling-induced neuronal loss and atrophy in the hippocampus. The stimulation protocol used 200 monophasic square wave pulses of 0.1 ms duration at 1 Hz, delivered in four packages every five minutes.

Enhancement of osteogenic differentiation of rat adipose tissue- derived mesenchymal stem cells by zinc sulphate under electromagnetic field via the PKA, ERK1/2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways

Fathi E et al. · 2017

Researchers exposed adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells to 0.432 μg/ml ZnSO4 together with a 50 Hz, 20 mT electromagnetic field. The combined treatment increased expression of osteogenic genes, alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium levels. The effect depended on PKA and ERK1/2 signaling, as inhibitors of these pathways blocked the osteogenic promotion. The treatment also raised cAMP and PKA activity and upregulated Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes.

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) reduces oxidative stress and improves functional and psychological status in ischemic stroke patients.

Cichoń N, Bijak M, Miller E, Saluk J. · 2017

Researchers investigated the effect of ELF-EMF on clinical and antioxidant status in post-stroke patients. Fifty-seven patients were divided into two groups: ELF-EMF and non-ELF-EMF, and both groups underwent the same 4-week rehabilitation program. The ELF-EMF group was additionally exposed to a field of 40 Hz, 7 mT for 15 min/day for 4 weeks, 5 days a week. ELF-EMF significantly increased enzymatic antioxidant activity, though total antioxidant status levels did not change in either group.

Cytotoxicity of temozolomide on human glioblastoma cells is enhanced by the concomitant exposure to an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (100Hz, 100G)

Unknown authors · 2017

The study evaluated the combined effect of 100 μM temozolomide and a 100 Hz, 100 G electromagnetic field on U87 and T98G human glioma cell lines. Co-treatment synergistically increased apoptosis in both cell lines by raising P53, Bax, and Caspase-3 expression and lowering Bcl-2 and Cyclin-D1 expression. The combination also increased reactive oxygen species production and overexpressed the heme oxygenase-1 gene compared to controls.

Effect of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on antioxidant activity in the human keratinocyte cell line NCTC 2544

Calcabrini C et al. · 2017

Researchers investigated whether ELF-EMF exposure causes significant cell damage in human keratinocytes, to support potential ELF-EMF use in regenerative medicine for skin injuries. Reactive oxygen species production was evaluated in human keratinocytes exposed for 1 H to 50 Hz ELF-EMF at field strengths from 0.25 to 2 G, and significant ROS increases resulted at 0.5 and 1 G. All significant alterations observed in the first 4 H of exposure reverted to controls 24 H after, and the exposure did not have a cytotoxic effect.

Spatial memory recovery in Alzheimer's rat model by electromagnetic field exposure.

Akbarnejad Z et al. · 2017

Researchers exposed rats with Alzheimer's-like brain damage to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields (the same frequency as power lines) for 14 days and tested their memory using a water maze. The electromagnetic field exposure significantly improved the rats' learning and memory abilities, even reversing some of the cognitive damage. This suggests that certain electromagnetic frequencies might have therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative conditions.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure enhances inflammatory response and inhibits effect of antioxidant in RAW 264.7 cells.

Kim SJ et al. · 2017

Researchers examined the effects of 60 Hz 0.8 mT extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on a macrophage cell line called RAW 264.7. Under ELF-EMF exposure, production of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were increased, and the expression of those genes was also upregulated. Cell proliferation was not altered by ELF-EMF exposure. The researchers suggest that ELF-EMF amplifies inflammatory responses through enhanced macrophage activation and can decrease the effectiveness of antioxidants.

Effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on oxidative stress in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Medina-Fernandez FJ et al. · 2017

Researchers injected rats with a single dose of 150 μg of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG, fragment 35–55) to produce experimental multiple sclerosis. The MOG injection caused motor symptoms such as tail paralysis and limb paresis/paralysis, along with oxidative stress and cell death similar to MS. Rats were then treated with extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields applied as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at 60 Hz and 0.7 mT for 2 hours a day, once a day, 5 days a week, for 3 weeks. The researchers found that TMS attenuated motor symptoms and oxidative and cell damage, and also increased the antioxidant system.

Effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on oxidative stress in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Medina-Fernandez FJ et al. · 2017

Researchers used magnetic field therapy (similar to medical TMS treatment) on rats with an artificially induced multiple sclerosis-like condition. The 60 Hz magnetic fields at 0.7 milliTesla significantly reduced brain damage, improved motor symptoms, and decreased harmful oxidative stress. This suggests that controlled magnetic field exposure might have therapeutic potential for neurological conditions involving brain inflammation.

Anxiety-like behavioural effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field in rats.

Djordjevic NZ, Paunović MG, Peulić AS · 2017

Researchers investigated whether short-term exposure to ELF-EMF at 50 Hz could produce anxiety-like behaviour in rats through changes in hypothalamic oxidative stress and nitric oxide. Ten adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into a control group with no exposure and an experimental group exposed to the field during 7 days, after which open field and elevated plus maze tests measured anxiety-like behaviour. The exposed rats showed anxiety-like behaviour and higher concentrations of superoxide anion and nitric oxide in the hypothalamus, while peroxynitrite concentration was not affected.

Anxiety-like behavioural effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field in rats.

Djordjevic NZ, Paunović MG, Peulić AS. · 2017

Researchers exposed rats to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields (the same frequency as household electricity) for seven days and found it caused anxiety-like behaviors. The EMF exposure increased harmful oxidative stress compounds in the brain region that controls stress responses. This suggests that common power line frequencies may directly affect brain chemistry and emotional well-being.

Cellular detection of 50 Hz magnetic fields and weak blue light: effects on superoxide levels and genotoxicity.

Höytö A, Herrala M, Luukkonen J, Juutilainen J, Naarala J. · 2017

Researchers exposed human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells to a 50 Hz, 100 μT magnetic field with or without a non-phototoxic level of blue light for 24 hours. The magnetic field increased cytosolic superoxide production, while blue light suppressed that effect. Mitochondrial superoxide production was reduced by both the magnetic field and blue light, but these effects were not additive. Micronucleus frequency was not affected by blue light or the magnetic field alone, but blue light, significantly when combined with the magnetic field, enhanced menadione-induced micronuclei.

Exposure to a specific time-varying electromagnetic field inhibits cell proliferation via cAMP and ERK signaling in cancer cells.

Buckner CA, Buckner AL, Koren SA, Persinger MA, Lafrenie RM. · 2017

Researchers exposed malignant cell lines to the Thomas-EMF pattern for one hour per day and observed inhibited cell growth. The same exposure did not alter growth of non-malignant cells. The anti-proliferative effect was mediated by cAMP and ERK signaling pathways. Exposure transiently altered cellular cAMP levels and promoted ERK phosphorylation in malignant cells.

Extremely low frequency magnetic field protects injured spinal cord from the microglia- and iron-induced tissue damage.

Dey S, Bose S, Kumar S, Rathore R, Mathur R, Jain S. · 2017

Researchers performed complete transection of the spinal cord at the T13 level in male Wistar rats, then exposed them to a magnetic field at 50 Hz and 17.96 µT for 2 hours daily for 8 weeks. Compared to injured rats that received no magnetic field, injured rats that received the magnetic field showed significant improvement in locomotion. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry revealed significant reductions in lesion volume, microglia, macrophage, collagen tissue, and iron content, along with higher vascular endothelial growth factor expression in the magnetic field group.

Uncovering the effect of low-frequency static magnetic field on tendon-derived cells: from mechanosensing to tenogenesis

Pesqueira T, Costa-Almeida R, Gomes ME · 2017

Researchers exposed human tendon-derived cells to a low-frequency static magnetic field (2 Hz, 350 mT) using short-term exposures of 4 and 8 hours and long-term regimens of continuous, every 24 hours, or every 48 hours over an 8-hour period. In short-term studies, 8-hour stimulation significantly upregulated the tendon-associated genes SCX, COL1A1, TNC, and DCN and altered intracellular Ca2+ levels. In long-term studies, the every-24-hour regimen upregulated COL1A1, COL3A1, and TNC at day 14, while continuous exposure differentially regulated IL-1β and IL-10 release at day 7.

Influence of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on Ca2+ signaling and double messenger system in mice hippocampus and reversal function of procyanidins extracted from lotus seedpod.

Zhang H et al. · 2017

Researchers investigated the influence of a 50 Hz, 8 mT extremely low frequency magnetic field, applied 4 hours per day for 28 days, on calcium ion signaling in the hippocampus of mice. Exposure increased levels of Gi protein, IP3, DAG, PKA, PKC beta, PP2B, and intracellular calcium, while decreasing CaMK II and PKC alpha. ELF-MF exposure also decreased the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which the researchers described as playing a key role in hippocampal neuronal cell death. Oral administration of procyanidins from lotus seedpod, especially at 90 mg per kg, significantly recovered these changes and nearly reached normal levels.

Effects of 15 Hz square wave magnetic fields on the voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels in prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons.

Zheng Y, Dou JR, Gao Y, Dong L, Li G. · 2017

Researchers isolated cortical pyramidal neurons from Kunming mice and exposed them to 15 Hz, 1 mT square wave magnetic fields. Sodium currents, transient potassium currents, and delayed rectifier potassium currents were recorded using the whole-cell patch clamp method. Magnetic field exposure depressed channel current densities and altered the activation kinetics of sodium and potassium channels, and the inactivation properties of INa and IA were also altered.

Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on morphine analgesia and tolerance in rats.

Ozdemir E et al. · 2017

Researchers used 78 adult male Wistar albino rats to investigate whether extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields affect morphine analgesia and tolerance. Rats were exposed to a 50 Hz magnetic field for 30 minutes each day for 15 days, and morphine tolerance was induced with high-dose morphine (50 mg/kg) for 3 days. In rats exposed to the magnetic field, the analgesic effect of morphine (5 mg/kg) was significantly higher than in the non-exposed morphine group, and morphine-tolerant animals exposed to the field also showed significantly higher analgesia than tolerant rats without field exposure.

Effects of A 60 Hz Magnetic Field of Up to 50 milliTesla on Human Tremor and EEG: A Pilot Study.

Davarpanah Jazi S, Modolo J, Baker C, Villard S, Legros A. · 2017

Ten healthy volunteers were exposed to 11 MF conditions (60 Hz, 0 to 50 mTrms, 5 mTrms increments) while physiological tremor and EEG from motor and somatosensory brain regions were measured. Exposure had no significant effect on any physiological tremor characteristics, and no significant EEG effects were observed for electrodes C1, C3, C5 and CP1. At electrodes CP3 and CP5, a decreased mu-rhythm spectral power with increasing MF flux density was suggested, but this was not confirmed by Bonferroni corrected pairwise comparisons.

FAQs: Power Lines EMF Research

Every time you flip a light switch or plug in an appliance, you're tapping into an electrical grid that requires power lines to carry electricity from power plants to your home. These overhead and underground transmission lines create extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields as electricity flows through them - and unlike the electric fields that walls can block, these...
The SYB Research Database includes 922 peer-reviewed studies specifically examining power lines electromagnetic radiation and its potential health effects. These studies have been conducted by researchers worldwide and published in scientific journals. The research examines various biological endpoints including cellular effects, neurological impacts, reproductive health, and other health outcomes.
85% of the 922 studies examining power lines electromagnetic radiation found measurable biological effects. This means that 784 studies documented observable changes when organisms were exposed to power lines EMF. The remaining studies either found no significant effects or had inconclusive results.