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Effects of A 60 Hz Magnetic Field of Up to 50 milliTesla on Human Tremor and EEG: A Pilot Study.

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Davarpanah Jazi S, Modolo J, Baker C, Villard S, Legros A. · 2017

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Extremely high 60 Hz magnetic fields subtly altered brain activity patterns, suggesting nervous system sensitivity to EMF even without obvious symptoms.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed 10 healthy volunteers to 60 Hz magnetic fields up to 50 milliTesla (extremely high levels) while measuring brain activity and hand tremor. They found subtle changes in brain wave patterns related to touch sensation, but no effects on motor control or hand tremor. The study provides preliminary evidence that power-frequency magnetic fields can influence specific brain regions even when they don't cause obvious physical symptoms.

Why This Matters

This pilot study is significant because it examined magnetic field exposures far exceeding what most people encounter daily. To put this in perspective, the highest exposure level tested (50 milliTesla) is roughly 500 times stronger than what you'd experience standing directly under high-voltage power lines. The fact that researchers detected measurable brain changes at these extreme levels suggests our nervous systems are sensitive to electromagnetic fields, even if the effects aren't immediately apparent in motor function. While the sample size was small and the researchers appropriately urge caution in interpreting results, this adds to the growing body of evidence that EMF exposure can influence brain activity in ways we're only beginning to understand.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
0 - 50 mG
Source/Device
60 Hz

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 0 - 50 mGExtreme Concern - 5 mGFCC Limit - 2,000 mGEffects observed in the No Concern range
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 60 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

The present pilot study examined possible extremely low frequency (ELF) MF effects on human neuromotor control in general, and physiological postural tremor and electroencephalography (EEG) in particular.

Since the EEG cortical mu-rhythm (8-12 Hz) from the primary motor cortex and physiological tremor ar...

Results showed no significant main effect of MF exposure conditions on any of the analyzed physiolog...

Current findings are to be considered with caution due to the small size of this pilot work, but they provide preliminary insights to international agencies establishing guidelines regarding electromagnetic field exposure with new experimental data acquired in humans exposed to high mT-range MFs.

Cite This Study
Davarpanah Jazi S, Modolo J, Baker C, Villard S, Legros A. (2017). Effects of A 60 Hz Magnetic Field of Up to 50 milliTesla on Human Tremor and EEG: A Pilot Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Nov 24;14(12). pii: E1446. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14121446.
Show BibTeX
@article{s_2017_effects_of_a_60_627,
  author = {Davarpanah Jazi S and Modolo J and Baker C and Villard S and Legros A.},
  title = {Effects of A 60 Hz Magnetic Field of Up to 50 milliTesla on Human Tremor and EEG: A Pilot Study.},
  year = {2017},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29186760/},
}
PubMed: 29186760

Cited By (11 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

A 2017 study found no connection between 60 Hz magnetic fields and hand tremors. Researchers exposed 10 volunteers to extremely high magnetic field levels (up to 50 milliTesla) but detected no changes in motor control or tremor patterns, suggesting power line frequencies don't affect hand steadiness.
Research shows 60 Hz magnetic fields can subtly alter brain wave patterns in areas related to touch sensation. A pilot study found decreased mu-rhythm activity in specific brain regions, though these changes didn't translate into noticeable physical symptoms or motor control problems.
Current evidence suggests 60 Hz magnetic fields have minimal impact on nervous system function. While one study detected subtle brain wave changes in touch-processing regions, researchers found no effects on motor control, hand tremor, or overall neurological performance in healthy volunteers.
Power frequency EMF may cause subtle changes in brain activity patterns without obvious symptoms. A 2017 study found decreased mu-rhythm power in brain regions involved in tactile perception, but no effects on motor function or physical coordination were observed.
Research indicates electromagnetic field exposure doesn't significantly impact motor control. A study using extremely high 60 Hz magnetic fields found no changes in hand tremor or motor performance, though subtle brain wave alterations occurred in sensory processing areas without affecting physical function.