8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
DNA & Genetic Damage

Genotoxic effects of intermediate frequency magnetic fields on blood leukocytes in vitro

Bioeffects Seen

Authors not listed · 2019

Share:

Intermediate frequency magnetic fields can cause DNA damage in blood cells after prolonged exposure.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed human and dog blood to intermediate frequency magnetic fields (123.90 kHz and 250.80 kHz) for up to 24 hours to test for DNA damage. They found statistically significant genetic damage only after 20 hours of exposure using the comet assay test. This adds to growing evidence that electromagnetic fields in this frequency range can harm cellular DNA.

Why This Matters

This study fills a critical gap in EMF research by examining intermediate frequencies that fall between power line (50-60 Hz) and radiofrequency ranges. The 123.90 kHz and 250.80 kHz frequencies tested here are found in wireless charging systems, induction cooktops, and various industrial applications that millions encounter daily. The fact that DNA damage occurred only after prolonged 20-hour exposure suggests a cumulative effect that builds over time. What makes this particularly concerning is that the researchers used relatively modest field strengths (0.10-0.79 mT) comparable to what you might experience near some household devices. The study's methodology was robust, using the gold-standard comet assay to detect genetic damage and testing both human and canine blood samples. This research underscores how little we understand about the biological effects of the electromagnetic soup we live in daily, especially in frequency ranges that regulatory agencies have largely ignored.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 123.90 kHz - 250.80 kHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 123.90 kHz - 250.80 kHzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2019). Genotoxic effects of intermediate frequency magnetic fields on blood leukocytes in vitro.
Show BibTeX
@article{genotoxic_effects_of_intermediate_frequency_magnetic_fields_on_blood_leukocytes_in_vitro_ce2701,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Genotoxic effects of intermediate frequency magnetic fields on blood leukocytes in vitro},
  year = {2019},
  doi = {10.1016/J.MRGENTOX.2019.05.016},
  
}
DOI: 10.1016/J.MRGENTOX.2019.05.016PubMed: 31561904

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, this study found that 123.90 kHz magnetic fields caused statistically significant DNA damage in human blood cells, but only after 20 hours of continuous exposure using the sensitive comet assay test.
The researchers found no DNA damage after 1-5 hours of exposure, but significant genetic damage appeared after 20 hours of continuous exposure to intermediate frequency magnetic fields at both tested frequencies.
DNA damage occurred at both tested field strengths: 0.79 mT (630 A/m) and 0.10 mT (80 A/m) after 20 hours of exposure to 250.80 kHz magnetic fields.
Yes, the study tested both canine and human blood samples and found similar DNA damage patterns, suggesting intermediate frequency magnetic field effects may be consistent across mammalian species.
Wireless charging pads, induction cooktops, some medical diathermy equipment, and various industrial heating systems operate in this intermediate frequency range between power lines and radio frequencies.