8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Reproductive Health

Effects of 60 Hz 14 microT magnetic field on the apoptosis of testicular germ cell in mice

Bioeffects Seen

Authors not listed · 2008

Share:

16-week exposure to household-level 60 Hz magnetic fields significantly increased testicular cell death in mice.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed mice to 60 Hz magnetic fields at extremely low levels (14 microT) for 16 weeks and found significantly increased cell death in the testicles. The magnetic field strength was similar to what you might encounter near some household appliances. This suggests that even very weak power-line frequency fields may affect male reproductive health.

Why This Matters

This study adds to growing evidence that power-line frequency magnetic fields can affect male fertility, even at exposure levels considered 'safe' by current standards. The 14 microT exposure level is particularly concerning because it's within the range you might encounter in everyday environments - near electrical panels, some appliances, or even in certain areas of homes with electrical wiring issues. The science demonstrates that continuous exposure doesn't need to be intense to potentially impact reproductive cells. What makes this research especially significant is that it shows effects at field strengths well below the 100 microT reference level used by many regulatory agencies. The reality is that current safety standards were designed primarily to prevent immediate heating effects, not the subtle biological changes this study documents.

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 (2008). Effects of 60 Hz 14 microT magnetic field on the apoptosis of testicular germ cell in mice.
Show BibTeX
@article{effects_of_60_hz_14_microt_magnetic_field_on_the_apoptosis_of_testicular_germ_cell_in_mice_ce1408,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Effects of 60 Hz 14 microT magnetic field on the apoptosis of testicular germ cell in mice},
  year = {2008},
  doi = {10.1002/bem.20448},
  
}
DOI: 10.1002/bem.20448PubMed: 18839413

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, this study found that continuous 16-week exposure to 14 microT 60 Hz magnetic fields significantly increased cell death in mouse testicular tissue, specifically affecting spermatogonia cells that develop into sperm.
14 microT is extremely weak - about 7 times weaker than the 100 microT reference level used by safety agencies. You might encounter similar levels near electrical panels, some appliances, or in homes with wiring issues.
No, the study found that 16 weeks of 60 Hz magnetic field exposure at 14 microT did not significantly affect testosterone levels in mice, despite causing increased testicular cell death.
The study found that spermatogonia - the stem cells that develop into mature sperm - were the primary cells showing increased death rates after exposure to 60 Hz magnetic fields.
This mouse study suggests yes - continuous exposure to 60 Hz magnetic fields at household-level intensities significantly increased testicular cell death, potentially impacting male reproductive health over time.