Extremely low frequency magnetic field induces oxidative stress in mouse cerebellum
Chu LY, Lee JH, Nam YS, Lee YJ, Park WH, Lee BC, Kim D, Chung YH, Jeong JH. · 2011
View Original AbstractThree hours of power-frequency magnetic field exposure triggered oxidative stress in mouse brain tissue, suggesting potential neurological risks from EMF exposure.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed mouse brain tissue to 60 Hz magnetic fields from power lines for three hours and found significant oxidative stress in the cerebellum, including harmful free radicals and depleted vitamin C, suggesting these common electrical frequencies may damage brain cells.
Why This Matters
This study adds important evidence to concerns about power-frequency magnetic field exposure and brain health. The 2.3 mT exposure level used here is extremely high compared to typical household exposures (which range from 0.01 to 0.2 mT), but the fact that just 3 hours of exposure triggered measurable oxidative stress in brain tissue is significant. Oxidative stress is a key mechanism underlying many neurological diseases and aging processes. The cerebellum, which was studied here, controls balance, coordination, and motor learning. What makes this research particularly relevant is that it demonstrates biological effects at the cellular level, not just behavioral changes. The science demonstrates that magnetic fields can indeed interact with living tissue in ways that could potentially lead to health problems. While more research is needed to understand long-term implications and lower-dose effects, this study reinforces the importance of reducing unnecessary EMF exposure, especially in environments where people spend extended periods.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 2.3 mG
- Source/Device
- 60 Hz
- Exposure Duration
- 3 hours
Exposure Context
This study used 2.3 mG for magnetic fields:
- 115Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 23Kx 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
We have investigated whether extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) induces lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species in mouse cerebellum.
After exposure to 60 Hz ELF-MF at 2.3 mT intensity for 3 hours, there was a significant increase in ...
These results indicate that ELF-MF may induce oxidative stress in mouse cerebellum. However, the mechanism remains further to be characterized.
Show BibTeX
@article{ly_2011_extremely_low_frequency_magnetic_230,
author = {Chu LY and Lee JH and Nam YS and Lee YJ and Park WH and Lee BC and Kim D and Chung YH and Jeong JH.},
title = {Extremely low frequency magnetic field induces oxidative stress in mouse cerebellum},
year = {2011},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/med/22131325},
}