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

Cellular ATP content was decreased by a homogeneous 8.5 T static magnetic field exposure: role of reactive oxygen species.

Bioeffects Seen

Zhao G, Chen S, Wang L, Zhao Y, Wang J, Wang X, Zhang W, Wu R, Wu L, Wu Y, Xu A · 2011

View Original Abstract
Share:

Extremely strong magnetic fields (8.5 Tesla) significantly reduced cellular energy production and increased oxidative stress in human cells.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Scientists exposed human cells to extremely powerful magnetic fields (8.5 Tesla) and found cellular energy production dropped significantly while harmful molecules increased. The strongest magnetic fields disrupted the cells' ability to make energy, suggesting very intense magnetic exposure could interfere with basic cellular functions.

Why This Matters

This study provides important mechanistic insights into how extremely strong magnetic fields affect cellular function, particularly energy metabolism. The 8.5 Tesla exposure level is far beyond what you encounter in daily life - even MRI machines typically operate at 1.5 to 3 Tesla. What makes this research significant is that it identifies specific pathways through which magnetic fields can harm cells: disrupting ATP production and increasing oxidative stress. The fact that cells with pre-existing mitochondrial damage or DNA repair defects were more vulnerable suggests that people with certain health conditions might be at greater risk from magnetic field exposure. While these exposure levels are extreme, the study demonstrates clear biological mechanisms that warrant further investigation at more environmentally relevant field strengths.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
1000, 4000, 8500 mG
Exposure Duration
3 or 5 h

Exposure Context

This study used 1000, 4000, 8500 mG for magnetic fields:

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 Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 1000, 4000, 8500 mGExtreme Concern - 5 mGFCC Limit - 2,000 mGEffects observed in the Extreme Concern rangeFCC limit is 2x higher than this level

Study Details

The present study focused on the cellular effects of strong homogeneous SMF in human–hamster hybrid (AL) cells, mitochondria-deficient (ρ0 AL) cells, and double-strand break (DSB) repair-deficient (XRS-5) cells.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content was significantly decreased in AL cells exposed to 8.5 Tesla (T...

Our results indicated that the cellular ATP content was reduced by 8.5 T SMF for 3 h exposure, which was partially mediated by mitochondria and the DNA DSB repair process. Moreover, ROS were involved in the process of the cellular perturbations from the SMF.

Cite This Study
Zhao G, Chen S, Wang L, Zhao Y, Wang J, Wang X, Zhang W, Wu R, Wu L, Wu Y, Xu A (2011). Cellular ATP content was decreased by a homogeneous 8.5 T static magnetic field exposure: role of reactive oxygen species. Bioelectromagnetics. 32(2):94-101, 2011.
Show BibTeX
@article{g_2011_cellular_atp_content_was_491,
  author = {Zhao G and Chen S and Wang L and Zhao Y and Wang J and Wang X and Zhang W and Wu R and Wu L and Wu Y and Xu A},
  title = {Cellular ATP content was decreased by a homogeneous 8.5 T static magnetic field exposure: role of reactive oxygen species.},
  year = {2011},
  doi = {10.1002/bem.20617},
  url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bem.20617},
}
DOI: 10.1002/bem.20617

Cited By (40 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, extremely powerful magnetic fields can damage cellular energy production. A 2011 study found that 8.5 Tesla magnetic fields significantly reduced cellular ATP (energy) levels and increased harmful reactive oxygen species in human cells within 3 hours of exposure.
Very strong magnetic fields can disrupt cellular energy production. Research showed that 8.5 Tesla magnetic fields decreased ATP content in human cells by interfering with mitochondrial function and DNA repair processes, though weaker fields showed no effect.
Extremely powerful magnets may harm cellular function. Scientists found that 8.5 Tesla magnetic field exposure reduced cellular energy production and increased oxidative stress in human cells, suggesting very intense magnetic exposure could interfere with basic cellular processes.
Cells exposed to very strong magnetic fields experience energy depletion and oxidative stress. A study found 8.5 Tesla fields reduced cellular ATP levels and increased reactive oxygen species, indicating disrupted cellular metabolism and potential cellular damage.
Very strong magnetic fields can disrupt normal cell metabolism by reducing energy production. Research demonstrated that 8.5 Tesla magnetic exposure decreased cellular ATP content through mitochondrial interference and increased harmful reactive oxygen species within hours of exposure.