Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) Reduces Oxidative Stress in the Brain of Gerbils Submitted to Global Cerebral Ischemia.
Rauš Balind S, Selaković V, Radenović L, Prolić Z, Janać B. · 2014
View Original AbstractPower-frequency magnetic fields reduced brain damage from stroke in gerbils, showing EMF effects depend heavily on biological context.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed stroke-damaged gerbils to power line frequency magnetic fields for seven days. While initially increasing brain stress, the magnetic field exposure ultimately protected against stroke damage, returning brain stress markers to normal levels by day fourteen, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
Why This Matters
This study presents an intriguing paradox in EMF research. While we typically focus on the harmful effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields from power lines and electrical devices, this research suggests these same fields might offer protective benefits under certain conditions. The 0.5 mT exposure level used here is significantly higher than typical household exposures (which range from 0.01 to 0.2 mT near appliances), making direct application to everyday EMF exposure questionable. However, the findings add complexity to our understanding of how EMF affects biological systems. The research demonstrates that EMF effects aren't simply good or bad, but depend heavily on context, timing, and existing health conditions. What this means for you is that the biological effects of EMF exposure are more nuanced than often portrayed, though this doesn't diminish concerns about chronic low-level exposures from our daily environment.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 0.5 mG
- Source/Device
- 50 Hz
- Exposure Duration
- 7 days
Exposure Context
This study used 0.5 mG for magnetic fields:
- 25Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 5Kx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 1 mG
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 Details
The aim of this study was to determine if extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF, 50 Hz, 0.5 mT) affects oxidative stress in the brain of gerbils submitted to 10-min global cerebral ischemia.
After occlusion of both carotid arteries, 3-month-old gerbils were continuously exposed to ELF-MF fo...
Ischemia per se increased oxidative stress in the brain on the 7(th) and 14(th) day after reperfusi...
The results presented here indicate a beneficial effect of ELF-MF (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) in the model of global cerebral ischemia.
Show BibTeX
@article{s_2014_extremely_low_frequency_magnetic_286,
author = {Rauš Balind S and Selaković V and Radenović L and Prolić Z and Janać B.},
title = {Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) Reduces Oxidative Stress in the Brain of Gerbils Submitted to Global Cerebral Ischemia.},
year = {2014},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24586442/},
}