50-Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields enhance cell proliferation and DNA damage: possible involvement of a redox mechanism.
Wolf FI, Torsello A, Tedesco B, Fasanella S, Boninsegna A, D'Ascenzo M, Grassi C, Azzena GB, Cittadini A · 2005
View Original Abstract50 Hz magnetic fields caused 30% increased cell growth and DNA damage through free radical formation, effects preventable with antioxidants.
Plain English Summary
Italian researchers exposed cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields from power lines for 72 hours. The exposure increased cell growth by 30% and caused DNA damage through free radicals. Antioxidant treatment prevented these effects, suggesting household electrical fields may harm cells.
Why This Matters
This study provides compelling evidence that extremely low frequency magnetic fields can directly damage DNA through oxidative stress mechanisms. What makes this research particularly significant is that the exposure levels used (0.5-1.0 mT) are within range of what you might encounter near high-voltage power lines or certain electrical appliances, though much higher than typical household exposures. The fact that both normal and cancer cells showed increased proliferation raises important questions about EMF exposure and cancer risk. The researchers' finding that antioxidants prevented the damage suggests a clear biological pathway and offers insight into potential protective strategies. This adds to a growing body of evidence that EMF exposure can trigger cellular changes through oxidative stress, challenging the long-held assumption that non-ionizing radiation is biologically inert at non-thermal levels.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 0.5–1.0 mG
- Source/Device
- 50 Hz
- Exposure Duration
- 24-72 h
Exposure Context
This study used 0.5–1.0 mG for magnetic fields:
- 25Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 5Kx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 1 mG
Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
To study the effects of 50-Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields enhance cell proliferation and DNA damage: possible involvement of a redox mechanism
HL-60 leukemia cells, Rat-1 fibroblasts and WI-38 diploid fibroblasts were exposed for 24–72 h to 0....
This treatment induced a dose-dependent increase in the proliferation rate of all cell types, namely...
These results suggest that ELF-EMF influence proliferation and DNA damage in both normal and tumor cells through the action of free radical species. This information may be of value for appraising the pathophysiologic consequences of an exposure to ELF-EMF.
Show BibTeX
@article{fi_2005_50hz_extremely_low_frequency_479,
author = {Wolf FI and Torsello A and Tedesco B and Fasanella S and Boninsegna A and D'Ascenzo M and Grassi C and Azzena GB and Cittadini A},
title = {50-Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields enhance cell proliferation and DNA damage: possible involvement of a redox mechanism.},
year = {2005},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167488904002228},
}