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

Cellular Effects

Continuous exposure to 60 Hz extremely low frequency magnetic field at 10-14 mT promotes various human cell proliferation by activating extracellular-signal-regulated kinase

No Effects Found

Authors not listed · 2025

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Industrial-strength 60 Hz magnetic fields at 14 mT consistently increased cell proliferation by 20% across multiple cell types.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed various human and animal cells to 60 Hz magnetic fields at industrial-strength levels (10-16 mT) for 72 hours. They found that 14 mT exposure increased cell multiplication by at least 20% across all cell types tested, including cancer cells, by activating specific cellular growth pathways. The effect occurred without changes in cellular stress markers or calcium levels.

Why This Matters

This study reveals a concerning biological effect at magnetic field strengths thousands of times higher than typical household exposures, yet still within ranges found near industrial equipment and some medical devices. The finding that 14 mT fields consistently promoted cell proliferation across multiple cell types, including cancer cells, through ERK pathway activation deserves attention. While these exposure levels far exceed what most people encounter daily (household appliances typically generate 0.1-10 µT), workers in certain industrial settings or patients undergoing specific medical procedures could face similar exposures. The researchers' focus on ruling out oxidative stress as a mechanism suggests the proliferative effects operate through direct cellular signaling pathways, making this a noteworthy addition to our understanding of how magnetic fields influence biological systems at higher exposure levels.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 60 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2025). Continuous exposure to 60 Hz extremely low frequency magnetic field at 10-14 mT promotes various human cell proliferation by activating extracellular-signal-regulated kinase.
Show BibTeX
@article{continuous_exposure_to_60_hz_extremely_low_frequency_magnetic_field_at_10_14_mt_promotes_various_human_cell_proliferation_by_activating_extracellular_signal_regulated_kinase_ce4037,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Continuous exposure to 60 Hz extremely low frequency magnetic field at 10-14 mT promotes various human cell proliferation by activating extracellular-signal-regulated kinase},
  year = {2025},
  doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.151414},
  
}
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.151414PubMed: 39903967

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, this study found that 60 Hz magnetic fields at 14 mT increased proliferation of human cervical cancer cells by approximately 20% or more, along with other cell types including liver cancer stem cells.
The 14 mT magnetic field exposure activated the MEK-ERK signaling pathway and NF-κB in cells, which are key regulators of cell proliferation and survival, but did not affect the Akt pathway.
No, the study found no additional proliferation benefit at 16 mT compared to 14 mT, suggesting 14 mT may represent a saturation point for this biological effect in the tested cell types.
No, the researchers found no changes in intracellular or mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, suggesting the proliferative effects occur without inducing oxidative stress or cellular damage markers.
The study used 72 hours of continuous exposure to 60 Hz magnetic fields, which was sufficient to produce consistent proliferation increases of 20% or more across all tested cell types.