Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field and its combination with lead on the antioxidant system in mouse.
Liu Y, Weng E, Zhang Y, Hong R. · 2002
View Original AbstractPower frequency magnetic fields caused measurable cellular damage in mouse brains and livers at levels comparable to household appliance exposure.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed mice to 50 Hz magnetic fields for two weeks and measured cellular damage. Higher magnetic field strengths increased harmful oxidative stress while reducing natural antioxidant defenses in brain and liver tissue, suggesting EMF exposure may compromise the body's ability to protect against cellular damage.
Why This Matters
This study provides compelling evidence that extremely low frequency magnetic fields create measurable oxidative stress in vital organs, even at relatively low exposure levels. The 0.2 mT exposure level used here is comparable to what you might encounter near some household appliances or power lines, while the 6.0 mT level represents more intense industrial exposure. What makes this research particularly significant is the finding that EMF exposure amplified the toxic effects of lead, suggesting these fields don't just cause direct harm but can make us more vulnerable to other environmental toxins. The dose-response relationship observed here - where stronger fields caused progressively more damage - strengthens the case that EMF effects are real and measurable, not just statistical noise.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 0.2 or 6.0 mG
- Source/Device
- 50 Hz
- Exposure Duration
- 2 weeks
Exposure Context
This study used 0.2 or 6.0 mG for magnetic fields:
- 10Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 2Kx 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
To study the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field(ELF EMF) and its combination with lead on the antioxidant system in mouse brain and liver tissues.
Mice were exposed to a 50 Hz sinusoidal 0.2 mT or 6.0 mT EMF for 2 weeks. At the same time, some gro...
Malondiadehyde(MDA) content in brain and liver increased from the control levels of (1.33 +/- 0.12) ...
ELF EMF might alter the metabolism of free radicals, decrease anti-oxidant capability and enhance lipid peroxidation. The combination of EMF with lead showed synergic effects on lipid peroxidation.
Show BibTeX
@article{y_2002_effects_of_extremely_low_409,
author = {Liu Y and Weng E and Zhang Y and Hong R.},
title = {Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field and its combination with lead on the antioxidant system in mouse.},
year = {2002},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/med/14694649},
}