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Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.

Brain & Nervous System

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and extremely-low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields: a study in the SOD-1 transgenic mouse model

No Effects Found

Authors not listed · 2009

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Controlled study found 50 Hz magnetic fields up to 1000 microT didn't accelerate ALS progression in transgenic mice.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

French researchers exposed genetically modified mice prone to ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) to 50 Hz magnetic fields at power line frequencies for 7 weeks before disease symptoms appeared. The study found no evidence that magnetic field exposure accelerated disease progression, affected motor function, or shortened lifespan in this animal model.

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
Cite This Study
Unknown (2009). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and extremely-low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields: a study in the SOD-1 transgenic mouse model.
Show BibTeX
@article{amyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis_als_and_extremely_low_frequency_elf_magnetic_fields_a_study_in_the_sod_1_transgenic_mouse_model_ce2166,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and extremely-low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields: a study in the SOD-1 transgenic mouse model},
  year = {2009},
  doi = {10.3109/17482960802320396},
  
}
DOI: 10.3109/17482960802320396PubMed: 19922126

Quick Questions About This Study

No, this study found no evidence that 50 Hz magnetic field exposure accelerated ALS progression, affected motor performance, or shortened lifespan in SOD-1 transgenic mice prone to developing the disease.
Researchers tested two intensities: 100 microT and 1000 microT (both at 50 Hz frequency). The higher level is about 10 times stronger than typical household magnetic field exposures.
The mice were exposed for 7 weeks before clinical signs of ALS typically appear. This timing allowed researchers to assess whether magnetic fields might accelerate disease onset or progression.
SOD-1 transgenic mice are genetically modified to reliably develop ALS-like symptoms, making them the gold standard animal model for studying factors that might influence amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression and treatment.
While reassuring, this single animal study doesn't definitively resolve epidemiological concerns about occupational EMF exposure and ALS risk in humans. Animal models don't always translate directly to human disease outcomes.