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 AbstractMagnetic field exposure triggered brain cell damage through oxidative stress in mice, revealing a biological mechanism for potential neurological harm.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed mice to 60 Hz magnetic fields (the same frequency as household electricity) for 3 hours and found significant oxidative stress in the cerebellum, the brain region controlling movement and coordination. The magnetic field exposure increased harmful molecules called free radicals while depleting protective antioxidants like vitamin C. This suggests that magnetic fields from power lines and electrical devices may damage brain cells through oxidative stress.
Why This Matters
This study adds important evidence to concerns about magnetic field exposure from our electrical infrastructure. The 2.3 mT exposure level is roughly 2,300 times higher than typical household levels, but it's within the range you might encounter very close to high-voltage power lines or certain industrial equipment. What makes this research particularly significant is that it demonstrates a clear biological mechanism - oxidative stress - by which magnetic fields could harm brain tissue. The cerebellum's vulnerability is especially concerning given its critical role in motor control and balance. While the exposure was acute rather than chronic, the findings align with a growing body of research showing that magnetic fields can trigger cellular damage through free radical production. The reality is that we're all exposed to these fields daily, and while most exposures are much lower than this study used, the demonstrated biological pathway raises legitimate questions about long-term cumulative effects.
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_331,
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},
}