50 Hz Electromagnetic Field Produced Changes in FTIR Spectroscopy Associated with Mitochondrial Transmembrane Potential Reduction in Neuronal-Like SH-SY5Y Cells.
Calabrò E, Condello S, Currò M, Ferlazzo N, Vecchio M, Caccamo D, Magazù S, Ientile R. · 2013
View Original AbstractPower-frequency magnetic fields above 0.8 milliTesla damaged brain cell mitochondria and proteins, levels found in some occupational settings.
Plain English Summary
Italian researchers exposed human brain cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields (European power frequency) and found exposures above 0.8 milliTesla damaged cellular energy systems and altered protein structures. This demonstrates measurable biological harm from power-frequency magnetic fields at levels found in some occupational environments.
Why This Matters
This study provides compelling evidence that power-frequency magnetic fields can cause measurable cellular damage, particularly to the mitochondria that power our cells. What makes this research particularly valuable is its use of advanced spectroscopic techniques to identify specific molecular changes, moving beyond simple observations of cell death to understand the underlying mechanisms of EMF damage. The exposure levels tested (0.05 to 1.4 milliTesla) span from typical household levels up to occupational exposures found near industrial equipment or power lines. The finding that significant damage occurred at 0.8 mT and above is concerning given that such levels can be encountered in real-world situations. The research adds to a growing body of evidence showing that EMF exposure affects cellular energy production and protein function, two fundamental processes critical to human health.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 0.05 - 1.4 mG
- Source/Device
- 50 Hz
Exposure Context
This study used 0.05 - 1.4 mG for magnetic fields:
- 2.5Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 500x above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 1 mG
Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
The aim of this study is to observe 50 Hz electromagnetic field produced changes in FTIR spectroscopy associated with mitochondrial transmembrane potential reduction in neuronal-like SH-SY5Y cells
SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were used as an experimental model to study the effects of 50 Hz electro...
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis evidenced a reduction in intensity of the amide A b...
The observed changes after exposure to 50 Hz electromagnetic field higher than 0.8 mT were associated with a significant reduction of cell viability and reduced mitochondrial transmembrane potential.
Show BibTeX
@article{e_2013_50_hz_electromagnetic_field_609,
author = {Calabrò E and Condello S and Currò M and Ferlazzo N and Vecchio M and Caccamo D and Magazù S and Ientile R.},
title = {50 Hz Electromagnetic Field Produced Changes in FTIR Spectroscopy Associated with Mitochondrial Transmembrane Potential Reduction in Neuronal-Like SH-SY5Y Cells.},
year = {2013},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23970948/},
}