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

DNA & Genetic Damage

Evaluation of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field on mesenchymal stromal cells

No Effects Found

Authors not listed · 2018

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Therapeutic 5 Hz electromagnetic fields at 0.4 mT showed no cellular toxicity or genetic damage in human stem cells.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers tested whether extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (5 Hz, 0.4 mT) used in medical therapy could damage human stem cells. After exposing cells to this EMF for 20 minutes, three times per week for two weeks, they found no cell death, reduced growth, or chromosome damage. This suggests therapeutic EMF at these specific parameters may be safe for cellular health.

Why This Matters

This study addresses a critical question about therapeutic EMF safety that extends beyond medical applications. The 5 Hz frequency tested falls within the range of natural brain rhythms and power grid harmonics, while the 0.4 mT field strength is significantly higher than typical household exposures (usually under 0.01 mT). What makes this research particularly relevant is that it used human mesenchymal stromal cells, which are stem cells involved in tissue repair and regeneration. The finding of no genetic damage at these exposure levels provides some reassurance, though we must remember this represents just one specific frequency and intensity combination. The reality is that our daily EMF environment contains a complex mixture of frequencies and field strengths that may behave differently than the controlled therapeutic exposure studied here.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 5 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 5 HzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2018). Evaluation of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field on mesenchymal stromal cells.
Show BibTeX
@article{evaluation_of_cytotoxic_and_genotoxic_effects_of_extremely_low_frequency_electromagnetic_field_on_mesenchymal_stromal_cells_ce4194,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Evaluation of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field on mesenchymal stromal cells},
  year = {2018},
  doi = {10.1177/2164956118777472},
  
}
DOI: 10.1177/2164956118777472PubMed: 29796339

Quick Questions About This Study

No. This study found that 5 Hz EMF at 0.4 mT caused no cell death, growth problems, or chromosome damage in human mesenchymal stromal cells after two weeks of exposure.
The 0.4 mT field strength is 40 times stronger than typical household EMF levels, which usually measure under 0.01 mT near common appliances and power lines.
Not at 5 Hz, 0.4 mT according to this study. Researchers found no chromosome breaks in human stem cells after 20 minutes daily, three times weekly for two weeks.
Yes, they're valuable test cells because they're human stem cells involved in tissue repair and regeneration, making them relevant for assessing potential EMF health effects on cellular function.
The 5 Hz frequency tested falls within the theta brain wave range (4-8 Hz), which occurs naturally during deep relaxation, meditation, and certain sleep stages in humans.