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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 ContextA logarithmic scale showing exposure levels relative to Building Biology concern thresholds and regulatory limits.Study Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 1.5 mGExtreme Concern5 mGFCC Limit2,000 mGEffects observed in the Severe Concern range (Building Biology)FCC limit is 1,333x higher than this exposure level

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/},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

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.