Extra-low-frequency magnetic fields alter cancer cells through metabolic restriction
Ying Li and Paul Heroux · 2014
View Original AbstractEveryday magnetic field exposures can disrupt cancer cell metabolism by interfering with mitochondrial energy production.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed five different types of cancer cells to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields at levels commonly found in our environment (0.025-5 microTesla). After six days, all cancer cell types lost chromosomes, suggesting the magnetic fields disrupted cellular energy production in the mitochondria (the cell's power plants). The researchers found this effect was similar to what happens when cells are treated with drugs that block energy production.
Why This Matters
This research provides compelling evidence that ELF magnetic fields can alter cancer cells at the cellular level through metabolic interference. The exposure levels used (0.025-5 microTesla) are particularly significant because they fall within the range of everyday environmental exposures from power lines, household wiring, and electrical appliances. What makes this study especially noteworthy is the proposed mechanism: the magnetic fields appear to interfere with mitochondrial energy production, specifically affecting ATP synthase, the enzyme responsible for cellular energy. The science demonstrates that these effects occur across multiple cancer cell lines and involve fundamental cellular processes linked to diabetes, cancer, and aging. What this means for you is that the magnetic field exposures you encounter daily may be affecting cellular metabolism in ways we're only beginning to understand.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 0.000025 - 0.005, 0.0004 mG
- Exposure Duration
- 6 Days
Exposure Context
This study used 0.000025 - 0.005, 0.0004 mG for magnetic fields:
- 1.3x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 0.3x 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 examine the effect of ELF-MFs on cancer cells
Five cancer cell lines were exposed to ELF-MFs within the range of 0.025-5 µT, and the cells were ex...
All cancer cells lines lost chromosomes from MF exposure, with a mostly flat dose-response. Constant...
The biological effects of MFs are connected to an alteration in the structure of water that impedes the flux of protons in ATPS channels. These results may be environmentally important, in view of the central roles played in human physiology by ATPS and AMPK, particularly in their links to diabetes, cancer and longevity.
Show BibTeX
@article{heroux_2014_extralowfrequency_magnetic_fields_alter_741,
author = {Ying Li and Paul Heroux},
title = {Extra-low-frequency magnetic fields alter cancer cells through metabolic restriction},
year = {2014},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23915261/},
}