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Effects of low intensity static magnetic field on FTIR spectra and ROS production in SH-SY5Y neuronal-like cells.

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Calabrò E, Condello S, Currò M, Ferlazzo N, Caccamo D, Magazù S, Ientile R · 2013

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Static magnetic fields below current safety limits damaged brain cells' energy production and protein structure after 24-hour exposure.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Italian researchers exposed human brain cells to a static magnetic field at 2.2 millitesla (below current safety limits) for 24 hours and found significant cellular damage. The magnetic field reduced the cells' energy production by 30%, increased harmful reactive oxygen species, and altered the structure of cellular proteins and fats. This demonstrates that even magnetic fields considered 'safe' by regulatory standards can disrupt normal brain cell function.

Why This Matters

This study delivers a crucial message about our current magnetic field safety standards. The researchers used an exposure level of 2.2 millitesla, which falls well below the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's public exposure limits, yet still produced measurable cellular damage in human brain cells. The 30% reduction in mitochondrial function is particularly concerning because mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells. When they're compromised, cellular energy production suffers, and oxidative stress increases. The structural changes to proteins observed through spectroscopy indicate that cells were actively responding to stress from the magnetic field exposure. What makes this research especially relevant is that 2.2 millitesla exposures can occur near common sources like MRI machines, some industrial equipment, and even certain consumer electronics. The science demonstrates that our current safety standards may not adequately protect against biological effects, particularly with prolonged exposure. This adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting we need to reconsider what constitutes 'safe' EMF exposure levels.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
2.2 mG
Exposure Duration
24h

Exposure Context

This study used 2.2 mG for magnetic fields:

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 Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 2.2 mGExtreme Concern - 5 mGFCC Limit - 2,000 mGEffects observed in the Severe Concern rangeFCC limit is 909x higher than this level

Study Details

We investigated the effects produced by the exposure of human SH-SY5Y neuronal-like cells to a uniform magnetic field at intensities of 2.2 mT, which is less than the recommended public exposure limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

A decrease of membrane mitochondrial potential up to 30% was measured after 24 h of exposure to SMF ...

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that exposure to a static magnetic in...

Our study demonstrated that a moderate SMF causes alteration in cell homeostasis, as indicated by FTIR spectroscopy observations of changes in protein structures that are part of cell response to magnetic field exposure.

Cite This Study
Calabrò E, Condello S, Currò M, Ferlazzo N, Caccamo D, Magazù S, Ientile R (2013). Effects of low intensity static magnetic field on FTIR spectra and ROS production in SH-SY5Y neuronal-like cells. Bioelectromagnetics. 34(8):618-629, 2013.
Show BibTeX
@article{e_2013_effects_of_low_intensity_326,
  author = {Calabrò E and Condello S and Currò M and Ferlazzo N and Caccamo D and Magazù S and Ientile R},
  title = {Effects of low intensity static magnetic field on FTIR spectra and ROS production in SH-SY5Y neuronal-like cells.},
  year = {2013},
  doi = {10.1002/bem.21815},
  url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bem.21815},
}
DOI: 10.1002/bem.21815

Cited By (70 papers)

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Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, research shows magnetic fields can damage brain cells even at levels considered safe by regulators. Italian scientists found that exposure to 2.2 millitesla magnetic fields for 24 hours reduced brain cell energy production by 30% and altered cellular proteins and fats in human neuronal cells.
Studies suggest low-level magnetic fields can harm brain function. Research on human brain cells exposed to 2.2 millitesla fields found significant cellular damage, including increased harmful reactive oxygen species and disrupted protein structures, even though this level falls below current safety standards.
Yes, magnetic fields can disrupt normal brain cell function. Scientists exposed human neuronal cells to static magnetic fields and observed reduced energy production, altered protein structures, and increased oxidative stress within 24 hours, indicating compromised cellular health and homeostasis.
Magnetic field exposure may damage brain cells by reducing energy production and altering cellular structures. Research found 2.2 millitesla fields caused 30% reduction in cellular energy, increased harmful oxidative stress, and changed protein configurations in human brain cells within one day.
Magnetic fields can significantly reduce brain cell energy production. Italian researchers found that exposing human neuronal cells to 2.2 millitesla static magnetic fields for 24 hours decreased their energy output by 30% while simultaneously increasing damaging reactive oxygen species.