8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body

Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.

DNA & Genetic Damage

Effect of long-term 50 Hz magnetic field exposure on the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes of mice.

No Effects Found

Alcaraz M, Olmos E, Alcaraz-Saura M, Achel DG, Castillo J. · 2014

View Original Abstract
Share:

Magnetic field exposure caused DNA damage in mice through mechanisms different from radiation, suggesting unique biological pathways of harm.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed mice to 50 Hz magnetic fields (the same frequency as power lines) for up to 28 days and found evidence of genetic damage in bone marrow cells. The magnetic field exposure caused an increase in micronucleated cells, which are markers of DNA damage, though the effect was less than X-ray radiation. Importantly, antioxidants that protect against radiation damage did not protect against the magnetic field damage, suggesting different biological mechanisms.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 50 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 50 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

The study examined exposure from: 50 Hz ELM-MF Duration: 7, 14, 21 or 28 days

Study Details

To investigate the possible genotoxic effect of extremely low frequency magnetic fields in mouse bone marrow.

We analyzed the possible genotoxic effect induced by long-term exposure (7, 14, 21, 28 d) of a 50 Hz...

The increase in micronucleated cells was higher in both physical treatments (Control < ELF-EMF (p < ...

Cite This Study
Alcaraz M, Olmos E, Alcaraz-Saura M, Achel DG, Castillo J. (2014). Effect of long-term 50 Hz magnetic field exposure on the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes of mice. Electromagn Biol Med. 33(1):51-57, 2014.
Show BibTeX
@article{m_2014_effect_of_longterm_50_2837,
  author = {Alcaraz M and Olmos E and Alcaraz-Saura M and Achel DG and Castillo J.},
  title = {Effect of long-term 50 Hz magnetic field exposure on the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes of mice.},
  year = {2014},
  doi = {10.3109/15368378.2013.783851},
  url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/15368378.2013.783851},
}
DOI: 10.3109/15368378.2013.783851

Cited By (12 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

No, antioxidants do not protect against 50 Hz magnetic field damage. A 2014 study found that antioxidants that effectively protect against X-ray radiation damage showed no protective effect against magnetic field-induced genetic damage, suggesting different biological mechanisms cause the harm.
Yes, 28 days of 50 Hz magnetic field exposure can cause genetic damage. Research on mice showed significant increases in micronucleated cells in bone marrow after extended exposure to power line frequency magnetic fields, indicating DNA damage occurred.
Yes, 50 Hz magnetic field damage appears different from X-ray damage. While both caused genetic damage in bone marrow cells, antioxidants that protected against X-ray damage had no effect against magnetic field damage, indicating distinct biological pathways.
Power line frequency exposure increases micronucleated cells in bone marrow, indicating genetic damage. A 2014 study found that 50 Hz magnetic fields caused significantly more DNA damage markers than control conditions, though less than X-ray radiation.
Micronucleated cells serve as markers of genetic damage from EMF exposure. When cells experience DNA damage, they form small additional nuclei called micronuclei. Research shows 50 Hz magnetic fields significantly increase these damaged cells in bone marrow.