Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
Effects in Rodents of a 1-Month Exposure to Magnetic Fields (200-1200 Gauss)
No Effects Found
Gabriel G. Nahas, Henri Boccalon, Pierre Berryer, Bernard Wagner · 1975
Month-long exposure to strong magnetic fields caused no harm in rats, but unexpectedly increased weight gain in young animals.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
Researchers exposed rats to magnetic fields between 200-1200 Gauss for one month and found no toxic effects or tissue damage. The only notable finding was that young rats exposed to magnetic fields gained more weight than unexposed rats. The study concluded these field strengths should be safe for human exposure lasting several hours.
Cite This Study
Gabriel G. Nahas, Henri Boccalon, Pierre Berryer, Bernard Wagner (1975). Effects in Rodents of a 1-Month Exposure to Magnetic Fields (200-1200 Gauss).
Show BibTeX
@article{effects_in_rodents_of_a_1_month_exposure_to_magnetic_fields_200_1200_gauss__g4317,
author = {Gabriel G. Nahas and Henri Boccalon and Pierre Berryer and Bernard Wagner},
title = {Effects in Rodents of a 1-Month Exposure to Magnetic Fields (200-1200 Gauss)},
year = {1975},
}Quick Questions About This Study
Researchers tested magnetic fields ranging from 200 to 1200 Gauss on rats for one month. These are extremely strong fields, thousands of times stronger than typical household EMF exposures which measure in milligauss.
Yes, young rats exposed to magnetic fields showed significantly greater increases in body and organ weight compared to unexposed rats. This was an unexpected finding that researchers noted but didn't fully explain.
No toxic or tissue damage effects were found in rats exposed to magnetic fields up to 1200 Gauss for one month. The only notable change was non-pathological spleen congestion.
The rats were exposed to magnetic fields ranging from 200-1200 Gauss for one full month. Researchers concluded this duration showed no harmful effects in the animals studied.
The researchers concluded these field strengths should be safe for human exposure lasting several hours, but this 1975 study had limitations and modern EMF research has identified subtler effects not measured then.