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Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields in Domestic Birds

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Wayne K. Durfee, Pei Wen Chang, Charles Polk, Lewis T. Smith, Vance J. Yates, Paul R. Plante, S. Muthukrishnan, Hang-Ju Chen · 1975

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Early 1975 research investigated how power line frequency electromagnetic fields affect domestic birds as biological indicators.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1975 technical report examined how extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields affect domestic birds. The study represents early research into ELF field effects on living organisms, focusing on continuous wave exposures. While specific findings aren't available, this work contributed to understanding biological responses to the type of electromagnetic fields generated by power lines and household electrical systems.

Why This Matters

This 1975 research represents pioneering work in understanding how the electromagnetic fields from our electrical infrastructure affect living organisms. The focus on domestic birds is particularly relevant because birds have been used as sensitive biological indicators of environmental hazards for decades. The reality is that extremely low frequency fields from power lines, household wiring, and electrical appliances create continuous exposures that didn't exist before the 20th century.

What makes this study significant is its early recognition that ELF fields warrant biological investigation. The science demonstrates that birds, with their unique physiology and navigation systems, can be especially sensitive to electromagnetic disturbances. This research laid groundwork for understanding how the 50-60 Hz fields that surround us daily might affect biological systems, research that continues to reveal concerning effects nearly five decades later.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Wayne K. Durfee, Pei Wen Chang, Charles Polk, Lewis T. Smith, Vance J. Yates, Paul R. Plante, S. Muthukrishnan, Hang-Ju Chen (1975). Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields in Domestic Birds.
Show BibTeX
@article{extremely_low_frequency_electric_and_magnetic_fields_in_domestic_birds_g3854,
  author = {Wayne K. Durfee and Pei Wen Chang and Charles Polk and Lewis T. Smith and Vance J. Yates and Paul R. Plante and S. Muthukrishnan and Hang-Ju Chen},
  title = {Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields in Domestic Birds},
  year = {1975},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Birds serve as sensitive biological indicators of environmental hazards. Their unique physiology and electromagnetic navigation systems make them particularly responsive to field exposures, providing early warning signs of potential biological effects from power line frequencies.
ELF fields operate at 50-60 Hz, the same frequency as household electricity and power lines. These continuous wave fields surround us daily from electrical wiring, appliances, and the electrical grid that powers modern society.
While conducted on birds, this research helped establish that ELF electromagnetic fields can affect living organisms. Birds often serve as early indicators of environmental health risks that may later prove relevant to human health.
This was among the earliest technical investigations into biological effects of power line frequency fields. It recognized the need to study electromagnetic exposures that became widespread with electrical infrastructure development in the 20th century.
Birds may be more sensitive due to their electromagnetic navigation abilities and different physiology. However, sensitivity varies by species and exposure conditions, making birds valuable early warning systems for potential electromagnetic health effects.