Effects of in vitro exposure to power frequency magnetic fields on UV-induced DNA damage of rat lymphocytes.
Zmyślony M, Palus J, Dziubałtowska E, Politański P, Mamrot P, Rajkowska E, Kameduła M · 2004
View Original AbstractMagnetic field exposure at power line levels can worsen DNA damage and impair cellular repair mechanisms.
Plain English Summary
Polish researchers exposed rat immune cells (lymphocytes) to extremely low frequency magnetic fields at 40 microtesla - similar to levels near power lines - while also exposing them to UV radiation. They found that one-hour magnetic field exposure significantly increased DNA damage beyond what UV alone caused, suggesting the magnetic fields interfered with the cells' natural DNA repair processes.
Why This Matters
This study reveals a troubling interaction effect that demonstrates how ELF magnetic fields can amplify cellular damage from other environmental stressors. The 40 microtesla exposure level used here is well within the range you might encounter living near power lines or using certain household appliances - the EPA has measured similar levels in homes near transmission lines. What makes this research particularly significant is that it shows magnetic fields don't just cause direct cellular damage, but can actually sabotage your cells' ability to repair damage from other sources like UV radiation. This suggests the health impacts of EMF exposure may be more complex and potentially more serious than studies examining magnetic fields in isolation would indicate. The science demonstrates that our bodies are dealing with multiple environmental stressors simultaneously, and this research shows how EMF exposure can make us more vulnerable to other forms of cellular damage.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 0.04 mG
- Source/Device
- 50 Hz
- Exposure Duration
- 5 or 60 min
Exposure Context
This study used 0.04 mG for magnetic fields:
- 2Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 400x 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
The present study was aimed to assess the effect of 50 Hz MFs on the oxidative deterioration of DNA in rat lymphocytes irradiated in vitro by UVA.
UVA radiation (150 J/m2) was applied for 5 min for all groups and 50 Hz MF (40 μT rms) exposure was ...
It has been found that the 1 h exposure to MF caused an evident increase in all parameters consisten...
This suggest that MF affects the radical pairs generated during the oxidative or enzymatic processes of DNA repair.
Show BibTeX
@article{m_2004_effects_of_in_vitro_493,
author = {Zmyślony M and Palus J and Dziubałtowska E and Politański P and Mamrot P and Rajkowska E and Kameduła M},
title = {Effects of in vitro exposure to power frequency magnetic fields on UV-induced DNA damage of rat lymphocytes.},
year = {2004},
doi = {10.1002/bem.20050},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bem.20050},
}