AN EVALUATION OF POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF 45 Hz, 60 Hz AND 75 Hz ELECTRIC FIELDS ON NEUROPHYSIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR OF MONKEYS Phase I: Continuous Wave
R. Gavalas-Medici, S. R. Magdaleno · 1975
Early primate research explored whether common power line frequencies could affect brain function and behavior.
Plain English Summary
This 1975 study examined how electric fields at power line frequencies (45 Hz, 60 Hz, and 75 Hz) affected the brain activity and behavior of monkeys. Researchers measured neurophysiological responses to determine if these extremely low frequency fields could influence nervous system function. The research was part of early efforts to understand whether power line frequencies might have biological effects.
Why This Matters
This study represents pioneering research into whether power line frequencies affect brain function, conducted during the early years of widespread electrical grid expansion. The focus on monkeys is significant because their neurophysiology closely resembles humans, making findings more relevant to human health than rodent studies. The specific frequencies tested (45 Hz, 60 Hz, and 75 Hz) span the range of global power systems, with 60 Hz being the standard in North America. What makes this research particularly relevant today is that our exposure to these frequencies has increased dramatically since 1975. Every electrical device in your home generates 60 Hz fields, and modern smart homes with multiple WiFi networks, smart meters, and always-on electronics create a complex electromagnetic environment that didn't exist when this study was conducted. The neurophysiological focus is crucial because the brain operates through electrical signals that could potentially be disrupted by external electromagnetic fields at similar frequencies.
Finding
At 10 V/m there was evidence for a frequency-specific threshold at 7 Hz. Time between responses (interresponse times) was significantly shorter and variability of responding was reduced. When voltage was increased to 56 V/m the direction of the effect was the same as at 10-V/m and the magnitude of the change was markedly increased for both 7 Hz and 75 Hz fields.
In their words
“At 10 V/m there was evidence for a frequency-specific threshold at 7 Hz. Time between responses (interresponse times) was significantly shorter and variability of responding was reduced. When voltage was increased to 56 V/m the direction of the effect was the same as at 10-V/m and the magnitude of the change was markedly increased for both 7 Hz and 75 Hz fields.”
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
To evaluate possible effects of 45 Hz, 60 Hz and 75 Hz electric fields on neurophysiology and behavior of monkeys
Five monkeys (3 implanted & 2 unimplanted) were trained on a Skinnerian schedule with a five sec int...
At 10 V/m p-p there was no discernible effect on either behavior or electrical brain waves. At 10 V/...
Results show that low frequency electric fields at voltages of 10 V/m and above can affect behavior and EEG activity in monkeys. The effects appear to be frequency-specific with 7 Hz showing a threshold effect. There was no evidence of an 'antenna effect' from implanted electrodes. The findings suggest that these fields may influence neural activity and behavior, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear.
Show BibTeX
@article{an_evaluation_of_possible_effects_of_45_hz_60_hz_and_75_hz_electric_fields_on_ne_g6295,
author = {R. Gavalas-Medici and S. R. Magdaleno},
title = {AN EVALUATION OF POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF 45 Hz, 60 Hz AND 75 Hz ELECTRIC FIELDS ON NEUROPHYSIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR OF MONKEYS Phase I: Continuous Wave},
year = {1975},
}