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 caused measurable oxidative stress in mouse brain tissue, suggesting cellular damage mechanisms.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed mice to 60 Hz magnetic fields (the same frequency used in power lines and household electricity) for 3 hours and found significant oxidative stress in the brain's cerebellum. The magnetic field exposure increased harmful molecules that damage cells while decreasing protective antioxidants like vitamin C. This suggests that even short-term exposure to power-frequency magnetic fields can disrupt the brain's natural defense systems against cellular damage.
Why This Matters
This study adds to mounting evidence that extremely low frequency magnetic fields can trigger biological effects at the cellular level. The 2.3 mT exposure used here is significantly higher than typical household levels (which range from 0.01 to 0.2 mT near appliances), but it's within ranges found near power lines or in occupational settings. What makes this research particularly significant is that it demonstrates clear oxidative stress in brain tissue after just 3 hours of exposure. Oxidative stress is a fundamental mechanism underlying many chronic diseases and neurological conditions. The fact that the brain's antioxidant defenses were overwhelmed suggests these fields can interfere with our body's natural protective mechanisms. While we need more research to understand the long-term implications, this study reinforces the importance of minimizing 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
exposure to 60 Hz ELF-MF at 2.3 mT intensity for 3 hours
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_615,
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},
}