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Assessment of biological changes of continuous whole body exposure to static magnetic field and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields in mice.

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Hashish AH, El-Missiry MA, Abdelkader HI, Abou-Saleh RH. · 2008

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Thirty days of magnetic field and power-frequency EMF exposure caused weight loss and liver stress in mice, indicating potential health risks from everyday electrical exposures.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed mice to magnetic fields and 50 Hz electromagnetic fields (the type from power lines) for 30 days to study health effects. The exposed mice lost weight and showed signs of liver stress, including increased oxidative damage (cellular damage from unstable molecules) and changes in blood chemistry. The study suggests that prolonged exposure to these common electromagnetic fields may disrupt the body's ability to protect itself from cellular damage.

Why This Matters

This research adds to growing evidence that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields - the type emitted by power lines, household wiring, and electrical appliances - can trigger biological stress responses even at non-thermal levels. What makes this study particularly relevant is that 50 Hz EMF is the standard electrical frequency used throughout most of the world (60 Hz in North America), meaning these findings relate directly to everyday exposures in our homes and workplaces. The researchers documented clear signs of oxidative stress, which occurs when the body's natural antioxidant defenses become overwhelmed. This is significant because oxidative stress is linked to numerous health conditions including accelerated aging, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders. While the study doesn't specify exact exposure levels, the consistent pattern of biological disruption across multiple body systems suggests our current safety standards may not adequately protect against chronic, low-level EMF exposure.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 50 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 50 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: SMFs + 50 Hz ELF-EMF Duration: 30 days

Study Details

We investigated the effects of continuous whole body exposure to both fields for 30 days on some liver and blood parameters in mice.

Two exposure systems were designed; the first produced a gradient SMF while the second generated uni...

The results showed a gradual body weight loss when mice were exposed to either field. This is couple...

The results indicate that there is a relation between the exposure to SMF or ELF-EMF and the oxidative stress through distressing redox balance leading to physiological disturbances.

Cite This Study
Hashish AH, El-Missiry MA, Abdelkader HI, Abou-Saleh RH. (2008). Assessment of biological changes of continuous whole body exposure to static magnetic field and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields in mice. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 71(3):895-902. 2008.
Show BibTeX
@article{ah_2008_assessment_of_biological_changes_1588,
  author = {Hashish AH and El-Missiry MA and Abdelkader HI and Abou-Saleh RH.},
  title = {Assessment of biological changes of continuous whole body exposure to static magnetic field and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields in mice.},
  year = {2008},
  
  url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0147651307002357},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, a 2008 mouse study found that exposure to static magnetic fields combined with 50 Hz electromagnetic fields caused gradual weight loss over 30 days. The mice also showed decreased blood glucose and protein levels, suggesting metabolic disruption from this dual field exposure.
Research shows 30-day exposure to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields significantly altered liver function in mice. The study found increased liver enzymes, elevated oxidative stress markers, and reduced protective glutathione levels, indicating potential liver damage from prolonged power frequency exposure.
Yes, a 2008 study found that both static magnetic fields and 50 Hz EMF significantly decreased monocyte, platelet, and lymphocyte counts in exposed mice. The research showed reduced immune cell populations in blood and spleen after 30 days of exposure.
Research demonstrates that whole body exposure to static magnetic fields or 50 Hz EMF significantly increases oxidative stress in mice. The study found elevated lipid peroxidation and altered antioxidant enzyme activity, indicating cellular damage from electromagnetic field exposure.
Yes, mice exposed to static magnetic fields plus 50 Hz extremely low frequency EMF showed significant blood chemistry changes. The study found decreased glucose, total protein, and alkaline phosphatase levels, alongside increased lactate dehydrogenase activity, indicating metabolic disruption.