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Change of nitric oxide concentration in men exposed to a 1.5 T constant magnetic field

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Sirmatel O, Sert C, Tümer C, Oztürk A, Bilgin M, Ziylan Z · 2007

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Brief exposure to strong magnetic fields from MRI machines measurably alters nitric oxide levels in healthy men.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed 33 healthy young men to the strong magnetic field from an MRI machine (1.5 Tesla) for 30 minutes and measured changes in nitric oxide, a molecule that helps regulate blood flow and cellular function. They found that nitric oxide levels increased significantly after the magnetic field exposure compared to before. This suggests that even brief exposure to strong magnetic fields can trigger measurable biological changes in the body.

Why This Matters

This study provides clear evidence that magnetic field exposure creates immediate biological effects in humans, even from medical devices we consider safe. The 1.5 Tesla field strength used here is thousands of times stronger than typical household magnetic field exposures, which rarely exceed a few milligauss. However, the fact that a 30-minute exposure produced measurable changes in nitric oxide levels demonstrates that our bodies do respond to magnetic fields in quantifiable ways. What makes this research particularly significant is that it measured direct biological changes in healthy volunteers, not just laboratory cells or animals. The increase in nitric oxide could indicate the body's attempt to counteract stress from the magnetic field exposure, though the long-term implications remain unclear. While MRI scans are generally considered medically necessary when prescribed, this study reminds us that no electromagnetic exposure is truly without biological effect.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
1500 mG
Exposure Duration
30 min

Exposure Context

This study used 1500 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: 1500 mGExtreme Concern - 5 mGFCC Limit - 2,000 mGEffects observed in the Extreme Concern rangeFCC limit is 1x higher than this level

Study Details

To study the change of nitric oxide concentration in men exposed to a 1.5 T constant magnetic field.

This study was carried out in order to determine nitric oxide (NO) production immediately after a 1....

Total nitrite concentration in post-magnetic field samples was found to be higher than in pre-magnet...

Cite This Study
Sirmatel O, Sert C, Tümer C, Oztürk A, Bilgin M, Ziylan Z (2007). Change of nitric oxide concentration in men exposed to a 1.5 T constant magnetic field Bioelectromagnetics. 28(2):152-154, 2007b.
Show BibTeX
@article{o_2007_change_of_nitric_oxide_465,
  author = {Sirmatel O and Sert C and Tümer C and Oztürk A and Bilgin M and Ziylan Z},
  title = {Change of nitric oxide concentration in men exposed to a 1.5 T constant magnetic field},
  year = {2007},
  doi = {10.1002/bem.20281},
  url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bem.20281},
}
DOI: 10.1002/bem.20281

Cited By (23 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, MRI scans can affect blood chemistry. A 2007 study found that 30 minutes of exposure to MRI's 1.5 Tesla magnetic field significantly increased nitric oxide levels in healthy men, showing that strong magnetic fields trigger measurable biological changes in the body.
MRI magnetic fields can cause cardiovascular-related biological changes. Research showed that exposure to MRI's magnetic field increased nitric oxide levels, a molecule crucial for blood vessel function and circulation. However, the health significance of these changes remains unclear.
MRI scans alter blood chemistry in ways that could affect cardiovascular function. One study found increased nitric oxide levels after MRI exposure, but researchers haven't determined whether these biological changes pose actual health risks to your heart or circulation.
Strong magnetic fields from MRI machines cause measurable biological changes, including increased nitric oxide production in the body. This 2007 study on healthy men showed that even 30 minutes of exposure triggers significant alterations in blood chemistry and cellular signaling.
Magnetic field exposure significantly increases nitric oxide levels in the body. Research found that 30 minutes under an MRI's 1.5 Tesla field boosted nitric oxide concentrations in healthy men, demonstrating that magnetic fields directly influence this important cellular signaling molecule.