8,655 Studies Reviewed. 86.9% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Whole Body / GeneralPart of the Glaser Archive

EXPOSURE OF MAN TO MAGNETIC FIELDS ALTERNATING AT EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY

Bioeffects Seen

Dietrich E. Beischer, James D. Grissett, Robert E. Mitchell · 1973

Share:

Early 1973 research investigated human exposure to power-line frequency magnetic fields that surround us constantly today.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1973 technical report examined human exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields, focusing on the biological effects of these alternating magnetic fields on people. The research represents early scientific investigation into how ELF magnetic fields interact with human biology. This work helped establish the foundation for understanding potential health effects from power line frequencies and electrical infrastructure.

Why This Matters

This 1973 report represents pioneering research into ELF magnetic field exposure at a time when our electrical infrastructure was rapidly expanding but health effects remained largely unexplored. The timing is significant because it predates the widespread recognition of EMF as a potential health concern by decades. What makes this particularly relevant today is that ELF magnetic fields from power lines, electrical wiring, and household appliances remain one of our most constant EMF exposures. Unlike the intermittent nature of cell phone radiation, we're bathed in ELF fields 24/7 from our electrical grid. The science demonstrates that these fields can penetrate buildings and bodies with virtually no attenuation, making this early research into human exposure patterns critically important for understanding our daily EMF burden.

Figures from the Original Paper

Diagram extracted from the original research document.

diagramPage 6 - Figure 1 depicts a large coil system at NAMRL that encloses a subject area measuring 2.4 m x 4.8 m.
p. 6 of the original PDF

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 45 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 45 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. Duration: up to 24 hours

Study Details

To determine whether man can be exposed safely to electric and magnetic fields in the extremely low frequency (ELF) region of the spectrum below 100 Hz

Ten subjects were confined for periods up to 7 days and during this time were exposed to a low inten...

No effects were seen that could be definitely linked with the magnetic field; however, serum triglyc...

The number of subjects is too small, however, to exclude statistically other factors such as psychophysiological reactions to forced changes in personal living habits, modified activity, restricted diet, and confinement. A final conclusion must await further experiments and the establishment of a relationship between field strength and physiological effects, as well as establishment of a threshold for the effects.

Cite This Study
Dietrich E. Beischer, James D. Grissett, Robert E. Mitchell (1973). EXPOSURE OF MAN TO MAGNETIC FIELDS ALTERNATING AT EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY.
Show BibTeX
@article{exposure_of_man_to_magnetic_fields_alternating_at_extremely_low_frequency_g5791,
  author = {Dietrich E. Beischer and James D. Grissett and Robert E. Mitchell},
  title = {EXPOSURE OF MAN TO MAGNETIC FIELDS ALTERNATING AT EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY},
  year = {1973},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

ELF magnetic fields are produced by electrical current flowing through power lines, wiring, and appliances at 50-60 Hz. These fields penetrate buildings and bodies easily, creating constant background exposure from our electrical infrastructure.
This 1973 work was among the first systematic investigations of human ELF exposure, predating widespread health concerns by decades. It established baseline understanding when electrical infrastructure was expanding rapidly but health effects were largely unknown.
ELF magnetic field exposure has increased dramatically since 1973 due to expanded electrical infrastructure, more household appliances, and higher power consumption. Modern homes typically have much higher background ELF levels than in the 1970s.
ELF magnetic fields operate at much lower frequencies (50-60 Hz) than cell phones (gigahertz range) and penetrate materials more easily. Unlike intermittent cell phone exposure, ELF fields provide constant 24/7 background exposure from electrical systems.
Early technical reports established fundamental exposure patterns and measurement methods before commercial interests became heavily involved. They provide baseline data for understanding how our EMF environment has changed over five decades of technological development.