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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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EMF exposure increased toxic metal accumulation in rat organs, suggesting electromagnetic fields may impair the body's detoxification abilities.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed rats to power line frequency magnetic fields while giving them manganese, a potentially toxic metal. The magnetic field exposure significantly increased manganese buildup in the brain, kidneys, and liver, suggesting EMF exposure may impair the body's ability to eliminate toxic substances.

Why This Matters

This study reveals a concerning mechanism by which EMF exposure may amplify toxicity from environmental contaminants. The 1.5 mT magnetic field used is roughly 30 times stronger than typical household exposure but within ranges found near power lines or industrial equipment. What makes this research particularly significant is that it demonstrates EMFs don't just cause direct biological effects - they can also worsen the impact of other toxins we encounter daily. Manganese is naturally present in food and water, but excessive accumulation in the brain is linked to neurological disorders similar to Parkinson's disease. The reality is that we're exposed to multiple environmental stressors simultaneously, and this research suggests EMFs may act as a multiplier for other toxic exposures. You don't have to live near high-voltage power lines to be concerned - this finding points to a broader principle that EMF exposure may compromise your body's natural detoxification processes.

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.
Show BibTeX
@article{ms_2013_extremely_lowfrequency_magnetic_field_611,
  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},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23448860/},
}
PubMed: 23448860

Cited By (9 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Research suggests power line magnetic fields may increase toxic metal accumulation in the brain. A 2013 study found that 50 Hz magnetic fields significantly increased manganese buildup in rat brains, kidneys, and livers, indicating EMF exposure might impair the body's natural detoxification processes.
EMF exposure appears to interfere with liver detoxification based on animal research. Rats exposed to power frequency magnetic fields showed significantly higher manganese levels in their livers compared to unexposed animals, suggesting EMF may compromise the liver's ability to eliminate toxic substances.
Studies indicate 50 Hz magnetic fields may harm kidney function by increasing toxic metal retention. Research found that power line frequency exposure led to significantly higher manganese accumulation in rat kidneys, potentially interfering with the kidneys' natural filtering and detoxification abilities.
Power line magnetic fields may increase brain toxicity by enhancing heavy metal accumulation. Laboratory studies show that 50 Hz magnetic field exposure significantly increased manganese buildup in brain tissue, suggesting these fields could make the brain more vulnerable to toxic substances.
Electrical magnetic fields may increase heavy metal toxicity risks by impairing natural detoxification. Research demonstrates that extremely low frequency magnetic fields enhance manganese accumulation in vital organs including the brain, liver, and kidneys, potentially amplifying toxic metal health effects.