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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

Exposure to magnetic field (5 mT at 60 Hz) does not affect cell growth and c-myc gene expression

No Effects Found

Authors not listed · 1996

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No cell damage found at 5 mT magnetic fields, but this extreme exposure level far exceeds typical household EMF.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed Chinese hamster ovary cells to 5 mT magnetic fields at 60 Hz (power line frequency) and found no effects on cell growth or c-myc gene expression. The study used specially designed equipment to maintain long-term, controlled magnetic field exposure in laboratory conditions.

Why This Matters

This 1996 study represents the type of null result that often gets overlooked in EMF research discussions. While finding no effects from 5 mT exposure might seem reassuring, the reality is more complex. First, 5 mT (50,000 milligauss) represents an extremely high magnetic field exposure - roughly 1,000 times stronger than typical household power line fields of 0.5-5 mT that concern health advocates. The study examined only cell growth and one specific gene, missing potential subtler biological effects that other research has documented at much lower field strengths. What this means for you is that negative results at unrealistically high exposures don't necessarily translate to safety at the chronic, lower-level exposures we actually experience from power lines, appliances, and electrical wiring in our daily lives.

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 (1996). Exposure to magnetic field (5 mT at 60 Hz) does not affect cell growth and c-myc gene expression.
Show BibTeX
@article{exposure_to_magnetic_field_5_mt_at_60_hz_does_not_affect_cell_growth_and_c_myc_gene_expression_ce4151,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Exposure to magnetic field (5 mT at 60 Hz) does not affect cell growth and c-myc gene expression},
  year = {1996},
  doi = {10.1269/JRR.37.185},
  
}
DOI: 10.1269/JRR.37.185PubMed: 8996976

Quick Questions About This Study

No, this study found no effects on Chinese hamster ovary cell growth rates when exposed to 5 mT magnetic fields at 60 Hz power line frequency. Cell growth remained normal compared to unexposed control cells.
The c-myc gene controls cell division and growth. Researchers monitor its expression because changes could indicate cellular stress or cancer-related effects from EMF exposure. This study found no c-myc changes.
5 mT equals 50,000 milligauss, which is 1,000 times stronger than typical household magnetic fields of 0.5-5 milligauss near power lines or appliances. This represents an unrealistically high exposure level.
CHO cells are commonly used in laboratory studies because they grow reliably and respond predictably to treatments. However, single cell types cannot capture the complexity of whole organism responses to EMF exposure.
Yes, 60 Hz is the standard electrical grid frequency in North America, making this study relevant to power line EMF exposure. However, the 5 mT field strength far exceeds real-world power line exposures.