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Decrease of luminol chemiluminescence upon exposure of human blood serum to 50 Hz electric fields.

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Calota V, Dragoiu S, Meghea A, Giurginca M · 2006

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50 Hz electric fields altered free radical levels in human blood serum within 1-2 hours, showing power frequency fields can disrupt cellular biochemistry.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed human blood serum to 50 Hz electric fields (the same frequency as household electrical systems) for 1-2 hours and measured changes in free radical activity. They found that exposure reduced free radical concentrations in the blood compared to unexposed samples. This suggests that extremely low frequency electric fields can alter the body's oxidative processes at the cellular level.

Why This Matters

This study adds to the growing body of evidence that power frequency electric fields can trigger biological changes in human tissue, even at the cellular level. The 50 Hz frequency tested here is identical to the electrical grid frequency used throughout Europe, Asia, and much of the world (North America uses 60 Hz). What makes this research particularly significant is that it demonstrates measurable biochemical changes in human blood serum after relatively short exposures. The reduction in free radicals might sound beneficial, but the reality is more complex. Your body maintains a delicate balance of oxidative processes that are essential for immune function and cellular signaling. When external fields disrupt these natural biochemical processes, it raises important questions about the cumulative effects of our constant exposure to electrical fields from power lines, wiring, and electrical devices in our homes and workplaces.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 50 Hz Duration: 1 and 2 h

Study Details

To investigate decrease of luminol chemiluminescence upon exposure of human blood serum to 50 Hz electric fields

The chemiluminescence of luminol, after 1 and 2 h in vitro exposure of human serum to 50 Hz electric...

Cite This Study
Calota V, Dragoiu S, Meghea A, Giurginca M (2006). Decrease of luminol chemiluminescence upon exposure of human blood serum to 50 Hz electric fields. Bioelectrochemistry. 69(1):126-127, 2006.
Show BibTeX
@article{v_2006_decrease_of_luminol_chemiluminescence_1582,
  author = {Calota V and Dragoiu S and Meghea A and Giurginca M},
  title = {Decrease of luminol chemiluminescence upon exposure of human blood serum to 50 Hz electric fields.},
  year = {2006},
  
  url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567539406000053},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Researchers exposed human blood serum to 50 Hz electric fields (the same frequency as household electrical systems) for 1-2 hours and measured changes in free radical activity. They found that exposure reduced free radical concentrations in the blood compared to unexposed samples. This suggests that extremely low frequency electric fields can alter the body's oxidative processes at the cellular level.