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Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.

Symptoms & SensitivityPart of the Glaser Archive

Tests for Human Perception of 60 Hz Moderate Strength Magnetic Fields

No Effects Found

Robert D. Tucker, Otto H. Schmitt · 1978

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Humans cannot consciously detect 60 Hz magnetic fields even at levels hundreds of times stronger than typical exposures.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers tested over 200 people in more than 30,000 trials to see if humans can consciously detect moderate-strength 60 Hz magnetic fields (7.5-15 gauss). Using a specially designed isolation chamber to eliminate false clues, they found no evidence that people can sense these electromagnetic fields, even with biofeedback training.

Finding

In a total of over 30,000 trials on more than 200 persons, no significantly perceptive individuals were found, and the group performance was compatible, at the 0.5 probability level, with the hypothesis that no real perception occurred.

In their words

“In a total of over 30,000 trials on more than 200 persons, no significantly perceptive individuals were found, and the group performance was compatible, at the 0.5 probability level, with the hypothesis that no real perception occurred.”
Cite This Study
Robert D. Tucker, Otto H. Schmitt (1978). Tests for Human Perception of 60 Hz Moderate Strength Magnetic Fields.
Show BibTeX
@article{tests_for_human_perception_of_60_hz_moderate_strength_magnetic_fields_g6257,
  author = {Robert D. Tucker and Otto H. Schmitt},
  title = {Tests for Human Perception of 60 Hz Moderate Strength Magnetic Fields},
  year = {1978},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

No. Testing over 200 people in 30,000+ trials showed humans cannot consciously detect 60 Hz magnetic fields, even at 7.5-15 gauss levels that are 500-1000 times stronger than typical household exposures.
Researchers tested magnetic fields of 7.5-15 gauss RMS, which are extremely strong compared to everyday exposures. Typical household magnetic fields from appliances and wiring are usually under 0.01 gauss.
No. Even with biofeedback training designed to help people learn field detection, no participants could reliably sense when 60 Hz magnetic fields were present or absent during testing.
They used a heavy, tightly sealed isolation chamber after discovering people were unconsciously using subtle environmental clues like sounds or vibrations to fake impressive detection records in preliminary experiments.
It means any EMF health effects occur through biological pathways we can't consciously feel. Your body may respond to electromagnetic fields at the cellular level without sensory awareness.