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Manojlović-Stojanoski, V

Bioeffects Seen

Rauš Balind S, M. · 2016

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Exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields at power-line intensities altered stress-hormone-producing cells in rats after just one day, suggesting everyday EMF exposure may act as a hidden biological stressor.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed rats to a 50 Hz magnetic field at 0.5 milliTesla (the frequency of electrical power systems) and found significant changes in pituitary ACTH cells, which regulate stress hormones. Even short exposures of just one day reduced cell numbers and volumes, while lifelong exposure caused persistent structural changes. The findings suggest that everyday power-frequency magnetic fields may function as a biological stressor.

Why This Matters

This study matters because it demonstrates biological effects from the exact frequency and intensity you encounter near household wiring, appliances, and power lines. At 0.5 milliTesla (5 Gauss), this exposure is higher than typical household levels (1-4 milliGauss) but well within what you'd experience standing directly under power lines or next to certain motors and transformers. The fact that just 24 hours of exposure produced measurable changes in stress-regulating cells raises important questions about chronic, everyday exposures.

The involvement of ACTH cells is particularly significant. These cells control your body's cortisol production and stress response. The researchers concluded that this type of EMF should be considered a 'stressogenic factor,' meaning it triggers the same biological pathways as other stressors. While industry-funded research often focuses on whether EMFs cause heating, this independent study shows that non-thermal biological effects occur at the cellular and hormonal level. What this means for you: the magnetic fields from your electrical infrastructure may be adding to your body's stress burden in ways you cannot consciously perceive.

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

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Rauš Balind S, M. (2016). Manojlović-Stojanoski, V.
Show BibTeX
@article{manojlovi_stojanoski_v_ce4517,
  author = {Rauš Balind S and M.},
  title = {Manojlović-Stojanoski, V},
  year = {2016},
  doi = {10.1002/tox.22059},
  
}
DOI: 10.1002/tox.22059PubMed: 25346405

Quick Questions About This Study

The magnetic field strength was 0.5 milliTesla (5 Gauss), which is stronger than typical household levels (1-4 milliGauss) but similar to what you'd encounter standing directly under high-voltage power lines or very close to some electrical equipment like transformers and motors.
The magnetic fields reduced the number and volume of ACTH-producing cells in the pituitary gland. These cells control stress hormone production. After just one day of exposure, researchers observed decreased cell numbers, reduced cell volumes, and smaller cell nuclei, with effects persisting under longer exposure.
Measurable changes occurred after just one day of exposure. The researchers found significant reductions in ACTH cell numbers and volumes, as well as decreased pituitary gland size, within 24 hours. This rapid response suggests these cells are particularly sensitive to magnetic field exposure.
Yes, according to this research. The scientists concluded that 50 Hz magnetic fields at this intensity should be considered a 'stressogenic factor,' meaning they trigger stress-related biological changes. The effects on ACTH cells, which regulate cortisol and stress responses, support this classification as a biological stressor.
Both short-term and lifelong exposures caused harm, but with different patterns. A single day produced the most dramatic changes (reduced cell numbers and volumes). Seven days affected cell volume only. Lifelong exposure from conception to three months caused persistent reductions in cell volume and pituitary size.