8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Cancer & Tumors

Exposure of mcf-7 breast cancer cells to electromagnetic fields up-regulates the plasminogen activator system

Bioeffects Seen

Authors not listed · 2009

Share:

Power line frequency EMF at household levels increased breast cancer cells' ability to spread and metastasize.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

German researchers exposed breast cancer cells to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields at 1.2 microTesla (similar to power line levels) and found the EMF increased production of proteins that help cancer spread to other parts of the body. The study suggests that common household electromagnetic field exposure might make existing breast tumors more likely to metastasize.

Why This Matters

This study reveals a deeply concerning mechanism by which everyday EMF exposure could worsen breast cancer outcomes. The researchers found that 50 Hz fields at just 1.2 microTesla - levels you'd encounter near household wiring or appliances - increased production of urokinase plasminogen activator and related proteins that literally help cancer cells break through tissue barriers and spread throughout the body. What makes this particularly troubling is that this isn't about causing cancer, but about making existing tumors more aggressive and metastatic.

The 1.2 microTesla exposure level used in this study is well within the range of typical residential EMF exposure. You might encounter similar or higher levels near your electrical panel, certain appliances, or even from nearby power lines. The science demonstrates that these seemingly innocuous background fields could be influencing cancer progression at the cellular level, potentially turning a localized tumor into a systemic threat.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 50 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 50 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2009). Exposure of mcf-7 breast cancer cells to electromagnetic fields up-regulates the plasminogen activator system.
Show BibTeX
@article{exposure_of_mcf_7_breast_cancer_cells_to_electromagnetic_fields_up_regulates_the_plasminogen_activator_system_ce2180,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Exposure of mcf-7 breast cancer cells to electromagnetic fields up-regulates the plasminogen activator system},
  year = {2009},
  doi = {10.1111/IGC.0b013e31819f53ec},
  
}
DOI: 10.1111/IGC.0b013e31819f53ecPubMed: 19407555

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, this study found that 50 Hz EMF exposure at 1.2 microTesla increased production of proteins that help breast cancer cells break through tissue barriers and metastasize to other parts of the body.
The study used 1.2 microTesla electromagnetic fields, which is within the range of typical household EMF exposure from electrical wiring, appliances, and nearby power infrastructure.
Yes, MCF-7 breast cancer cells exposed to 1.2 microTesla 50 Hz EMF showed markedly increased expression of urokinase plasminogen activator, a protein that helps cancer cells invade surrounding tissues.
This research suggests yes - the 1.2 microTesla field strength that increased metastatic proteins is commonly found near household electrical sources like panels, appliances, and wiring systems.
EMF exposure increased urokinase plasminogen activator and plasminogen-activator inhibitor-1 expression while slightly decreasing tissue plasminogen activator, creating conditions that favor cancer cell invasion and metastasis.