8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Brain & Nervous System

Karimi AS, Salehi I, Shykhi T, Zare S, Komaki A

Bioeffects Seen

Authors not listed · 2019

Share:

ELF electromagnetic fields may enhance some memory functions but simultaneously increase brain stress and anxiety in rats.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed rats to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) at various strengths for 60 days to study effects on memory and anxiety. They found that ELF-EMF exposure improved memory retention in some tests but increased anxiety-like behavior and oxidative stress markers in the brain.

Why This Matters

This study reveals the complex, dose-dependent nature of ELF-EMF effects that regulatory agencies often overlook. While some memory functions appeared to improve, the simultaneous increase in anxiety and oxidative stress suggests these fields trigger stress responses in the brain. The reality is that the EMF levels tested here (100-2000 µT) can occur near household appliances, power lines, and electrical equipment. What makes this particularly concerning is that oxidative stress is linked to neurodegeneration and cellular damage over time. The science demonstrates that even when some cognitive measures seem to improve, the underlying biological stress responses tell a different story about long-term safety.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2019). Karimi AS, Salehi I, Shykhi T, Zare S, Komaki A.
Show BibTeX
@article{karimi_as_salehi_i_shykhi_t_zare_s_komaki_a_ce4431,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Karimi AS, Salehi I, Shykhi T, Zare S, Komaki A},
  year = {2019},
  doi = {10.1016/j.bbr.2018.10.002},
  
}
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.10.002PubMed: 30290199

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, rats exposed to 100 µT and 2000 µT ELF-EMF for 60 days showed improved memory retention in spatial and passive learning tests, spending more time in target zones and showing better recall.
Yes, rats exposed to 500 µT and 2000 µT ELF-EMF showed increased anxiety-like behavior, entering open arms of test mazes significantly less frequently than unexposed control animals.
Exposure to 100 µT and 500 µT ELF-EMF significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rat brains, indicating elevated oxidative stress and potential cellular damage from electromagnetic field exposure.
Rats were exposed to ELF electromagnetic fields for 2 hours per day over a 60-day period, totaling 120 hours of exposure across different field strengths ranging from 1 µT to 2000 µT.
The effects weren't simply dose-dependent. Memory improvements occurred at 100 µT and 2000 µT, anxiety increased at 500 µT and 2000 µT, while oxidative stress peaked at 100 µT and 500 µT levels.