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Extremely low-frequency magnetic field induces manganese accumulation in brain, kidney and liver of rats

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Celik MS, Guven K, Akpolat V, Akdag MZ, Naziroglu M, Gul-Guven R, Celik MY, Erdogan S. · 2013

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Magnetic field exposure increased toxic metal accumulation in rat organs, suggesting EMF may amplify environmental toxicity.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed rats to magnetic fields from power lines while giving them manganese, a potentially toxic mineral. Magnetic field exposure significantly increased manganese buildup in the brain, kidneys, and liver, suggesting everyday electrical exposures may enhance absorption of harmful metals.

Why This Matters

This research reveals a concerning mechanism by which EMF exposure may amplify toxicity from environmental contaminants. The 1.5 mT magnetic field strength used here is actually quite high compared to typical household exposures (which range from 0.01 to 0.2 mT), but it's within the range you might encounter very close to high-voltage power lines or certain industrial equipment. What makes this study particularly significant is that it demonstrates EMF can act as a toxicity enhancer, not just a direct health threat. The brain accumulation findings are especially troubling, given manganese's known neurotoxic effects at elevated levels. While we're exposed to manganese through food and water daily, this study suggests that simultaneous EMF exposure could be making our bodies less effective at clearing these metals, potentially leading to harmful buildup over time.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
1.5 mG
Source/Device
50 Hz
Exposure Duration
4 h for 5 days a week during 45 days

Exposure Context

This study used 1.5 mG for magnetic fields:

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 Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 1.5 mGExtreme Concern - 5 mGFCC Limit - 2,000 mGEffects observed in the Severe Concern rangeFCC limit is 1,333x higher than this level
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

Study Details

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on accumulation of manganese (Mn) in the kidney, liver and brain of rats.

A total of 40 rats were randomly divided into eight groups. Four control groups received 0, 3.75, 15...

In result of the current study, we observed that Mn levels in brain, kidney and liver were higher in...

In conclusion, result of the current study showed that the ELF-MF induced manganese accumulation in kidney, liver and brain of rats.

Cite This Study
Celik MS, Guven K, Akpolat V, Akdag MZ, Naziroglu M, Gul-Guven R, Celik MY, Erdogan S. (2013). Extremely low-frequency magnetic field induces manganese accumulation in brain, kidney and liver of rats Toxicol Ind Health. 2013 Feb 28.doi.org/10.1177/0748233713480204.
Show BibTeX
@article{ms_2013_extremely_lowfrequency_magnetic_field_227,
  author = {Celik MS and Guven K and Akpolat V and Akdag MZ and Naziroglu M and Gul-Guven R and Celik MY and Erdogan S.},
  title = {Extremely low-frequency magnetic field induces manganese accumulation in brain, kidney and liver of rats},
  year = {2013},
  doi = {10.1177/0748233713480204},
  url = {https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0748233713480204},
}
DOI: 10.1177/0748233713480204

Cited By (9 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, research shows 50 Hz magnetic fields from power lines can increase metal accumulation in the brain. A 2013 rat study found magnetic field exposure significantly increased manganese buildup in brain tissue, suggesting everyday electrical exposures may enhance absorption of potentially harmful metals.
Studies indicate electrical magnetic fields can increase heavy metal accumulation in organs. Research on 50 Hz fields showed significantly higher manganese levels in the brain, kidneys, and liver when combined with metal exposure, compared to metal exposure alone.
Research suggests 50 Hz electromagnetic fields may affect kidney health by increasing metal accumulation. A controlled study found magnetic field exposure significantly increased manganese buildup in kidney tissue, which could potentially impact normal kidney function over time.
Studies show power line magnetic fields can impact liver health by increasing metal accumulation. Research found 50 Hz magnetic field exposure significantly increased manganese levels in liver tissue, suggesting these everyday exposures may enhance absorption of potentially toxic metals.
Magnetic fields appear to enhance the body's absorption of metals like manganese. Research shows 50 Hz electromagnetic field exposure significantly increased metal accumulation in the brain, kidneys, and liver compared to metal exposure without magnetic fields present.