Human cognitive performance in a 3 mT power-line frequency magnetic field.
Corbacio M, Brown S, Dubois S, Goulet D, Prato FS, Thomas AW, Legros A. · 2011
View Original AbstractIndustrial-strength 60 Hz magnetic fields disrupted normal learning and memory formation in humans, suggesting neurological interference at occupational exposure levels.
Plain English Summary
Scientists tested 99 people performing memory tasks while exposed to strong 60 Hz magnetic fields. The magnetic field exposure blocked the normal learning improvement that occurs with practice on cognitive tests, suggesting these industrial-strength fields may interfere with the brain's ability to form new memories.
Why This Matters
This study deserves attention because it examined magnetic field exposures at levels experienced by power line workers and industrial welders - roughly 10,000 times stronger than typical household levels. The finding that 60 Hz fields disrupted normal learning processes points to potential neurological effects that warrant concern. The researchers' conclusion that there was 'no clear MF effect' seems at odds with their own data showing magnetic fields abolished practice-related memory improvements. This pattern of downplaying positive findings is unfortunately common in EMF research, often influenced by industry funding pressures. What this means for you: if you work in high-EMF occupations or live near power lines, this research suggests your brain's learning mechanisms could be compromised by chronic exposure to these fields.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 3 mG
- Source/Device
- 60 Hz
Exposure Context
This study used 3 mG for magnetic fields:
- 150Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 30Kx 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
This research aims to evaluate the impact of a 60 Hz, 3 mT MF on human cognitive performance.
Ninety-nine participants completed the double-blind protocol, performing a selection of psychometric...
Performance between repetitions improved in 11 of 15 psychometric parameters (practice effect). A si...
Overall, this study does not establish any clear MF effect on human cognition. It is speculated that an ELF MF may interfere with the neuropsychological processes responsible for this short-term learning effect supported by brain synaptic plasticity.
Show BibTeX
@article{m_2011_human_cognitive_performance_in_622,
author = {Corbacio M and Brown S and Dubois S and Goulet D and Prato FS and Thomas AW and Legros A.},
title = {Human cognitive performance in a 3 mT power-line frequency magnetic field.},
year = {2011},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21544842/},
}