[Forming of memory (imprinting) in chicks after prior low-level exposure to electromagnetic fields].
Grigor'ev IuG, Stepanov VS · 1998
View Original AbstractEMF exposure as low as 0.4 mW/cm2 during embryonic development disrupted memory formation in chicks, with effects persisting after birth.
Plain English Summary
Russian researchers exposed developing chick embryos to electromagnetic fields at power densities between 0.4 and 10 mW/cm2 and found these exposures could alter memory formation (imprinting) processes in the brain. The study showed that EMF exposure during embryonic development left lasting changes in brain function that persisted after hatching. This suggests electromagnetic fields can interfere with critical brain development processes during vulnerable developmental periods.
Why This Matters
This 1998 Russian study reveals something particularly concerning about EMF exposure during development. The researchers found that relatively low-level electromagnetic fields could disrupt imprinting, the fundamental learning process that allows newborn animals to recognize and bond with their parents. What makes this especially significant is that the effects occurred at power densities starting at just 0.4 mW/cm2, which falls within ranges that developing organisms might encounter from various wireless technologies. The fact that these brain changes persisted after birth suggests EMF exposure during critical developmental windows may have lasting neurological consequences. While this study used chick embryos, it adds to a growing body of research indicating that the developing brain may be particularly vulnerable to electromagnetic interference, raising important questions about exposure during human pregnancy and early childhood.
Exposure Details
- Power Density
- 0.4 to 10 µW/m²
Exposure Context
This study used 0.4 to 10 µW/m² for radio frequency:
- 40Mx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.1 μW/m²
- 666.7Kx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 0.0006 μW/cm²
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
The aim of this study is to investigate Forming of memory (imprinting) in chicks after prior low-level exposure to electromagnetic fields
EMF of power density from 0.4 to 10 mW/cm2 can influence forming the memory (imprinting). Showed the...
Show BibTeX
@article{iug_1998_forming_of_memory_imprinting_1003,
author = {Grigor'ev IuG and Stepanov VS},
title = {[Forming of memory (imprinting) in chicks after prior low-level exposure to electromagnetic fields].},
year = {1998},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9633625/},
}