3,138 Studies Reviewed. 77.4% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.

Investigation of EEG changes during exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic field to conduct brain signals.

Bioeffects Seen

Shafiei SA, Firoozabadi SM, Tabatabaie KR, Ghabaee M. · 2014

View Original Abstract
Share:

ELF magnetic fields at household appliance levels measurably alter brain wave patterns, confirming the brain's electromagnetic sensitivity.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed different areas of the brain to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (3-45 Hz) at various intensities and measured changes in brain wave patterns using EEG. They found significant alterations in brain electrical activity, particularly reductions in alpha waves in frontal and central brain regions. The findings suggest these magnetic fields can measurably alter brain function, which the researchers propose could be developed into therapeutic protocols.

Why This Matters

This study provides direct evidence that ELF magnetic fields can alter brain electrical activity at exposure levels well within the range of everyday sources. The magnetic field intensities tested (100-360 microTesla) are comparable to what you might experience near household appliances, power lines, or electrical wiring. What makes this research particularly significant is that it demonstrates measurable neurological effects across multiple frequency ranges, not just at specific resonant frequencies. The researchers' focus on therapeutic applications shouldn't obscure the broader implication: if these fields can be used to deliberately modify brain function, they're also capable of causing unintended neurological effects during routine exposure. The science demonstrates that our brains are electromagnetically sensitive organs, responding to field exposures that regulatory agencies have long dismissed as biologically irrelevant.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
0, 0.1, 0.24, 0.36 mG
Source/Device
3, 5, 10, 17, and 45 Hz

Exposure Context

This study used 0, 0.1, 0.24, 0.36 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: 0, 0.1, 0.24, 0.36 mGExtreme Concern5 mGFCC Limit2,000 mGEffects observed in the No Concern range (Building Biology)FCC limit is 20,000x higher than this exposure level

Study Details

The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in EEG power spectrum due to localized exposure in different parts of the brain by extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) to extract some protocols for treatment of some psychological disorders.

In addition, regular effects were investigated by increasing intensity of ELF-MF. Therefore, EEG rel...

Significant changes were observed in different EEG bands caused by locally exposing to ELF-MF in dif...

Based on the findings in this study, some protocols can be designed using a combination of various MFs exposures to conduct the brain signals that is necessary to evaluate clinically.

Cite This Study
Shafiei SA, Firoozabadi SM, Tabatabaie KR, Ghabaee M. (2014). Investigation of EEG changes during exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic field to conduct brain signals. Neurological Sciences volume 35, pages1715–1721(2014).
Show BibTeX
@article{sa_2014_investigation_of_eeg_changes_299,
  author = {Shafiei SA and Firoozabadi SM and Tabatabaie KR and Ghabaee M.},
  title = {Investigation of EEG changes during exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic field to conduct brain signals.},
  year = {2014},
  doi = {10.1007/s10072-014-1819-0},
  url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10072-014-1819-0},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Researchers exposed different areas of the brain to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (3-45 Hz) at various intensities and measured changes in brain wave patterns using EEG. They found significant alterations in brain electrical activity, particularly reductions in alpha waves in frontal and central brain regions. The findings suggest these magnetic fields can measurably alter brain function, which the researchers propose could be developed into therapeutic protocols.