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 AbstractThis study found that strong 50 Hz magnetic fields helped brain recovery after stroke, though at levels 1,000 times higher than typical home exposure.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed gerbils to power line frequency magnetic fields after stroke-like brain damage. The magnetic field exposure helped reduce brain oxidative stress caused by the stroke, with stress levels returning nearly to normal by day 14, suggesting potential protective effects against brain injury.
Why This Matters
This study presents an intriguing paradox in EMF research. The magnetic field strength used (0.5 mT) is roughly 1,000 times stronger than typical household exposure from power lines or appliances, yet the researchers found what they describe as beneficial effects. The science demonstrates that while ELF magnetic fields can increase oxidative stress on their own, they may also trigger protective mechanisms that help the brain cope with more severe damage. What this means for you is that the biological effects of EMF exposure are complex and context-dependent. The reality is that most of us aren't dealing with stroke conditions, and we're exposed to much lower magnetic field levels in daily life. This research adds to a growing body of evidence showing that EMF effects aren't simply good or bad, but depend heavily on exposure conditions, timing, and biological context.
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...
ELF-MF also increased oxidative stress, but to a greater extent than ischemia, only immediately afte...
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_449,
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://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0088921},
}