Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields affect the immune response of monocyte-derived macrophages to pathogens.
Akan Z, Aksu B, Tulunay A, Bilsel S, Inhan-Garip A · 2010
View Original Abstract50 Hz magnetic fields at very high laboratory levels enhanced immune cells' bacteria-fighting ability, suggesting EMF immune effects are more complex than previously thought.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed immune cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields (power line frequency) while they fought bacterial infections. The magnetic field exposure boosted the cells' bacteria-fighting ability by increasing nitric oxide production and protective proteins. This suggests some EMF exposures might enhance rather than harm immune function.
Why This Matters
This study presents an intriguing counterpoint to concerns about EMF suppressing immune function. The researchers found that 50 Hz magnetic fields at 1 milliTesla enhanced macrophages' bacterial-fighting capabilities. To put this in perspective, 1 mT is roughly 20,000 times stronger than typical household magnetic field exposures, which range from 0.01 to 0.2 microtesla near common appliances. The science demonstrates that EMF effects on immunity aren't simply good or bad, but depend heavily on exposure parameters like frequency, intensity, and duration. What this means for you is that the immune system's response to EMF appears more complex than early research suggested. While this particular study used laboratory conditions with very high field strengths, it adds important nuance to our understanding of how electromagnetic fields interact with biological systems. The reality is that we need more research examining real-world exposure levels to determine whether everyday EMF encounters help or hinder immune function.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 1 mG
- Source/Device
- 50 Hz
- Exposure Duration
- 4–6 h
Exposure Context
This study used 1 mG for magnetic fields:
- 50Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 10Kx 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
This study aimed to determine the effect of extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF‐EMF) on the physiological response of phagocytes to an infectious agent.
THP‐1 cells (human monocytic leukemia cell line) were cultured and 50 Hz, 1 mT EMF was applied for 4...
The growth curve of exposed bacteria was lower than the control. Field application increased NO leve...
These data confirm that ELF‐EMF affects bacterial growth and the response of the immune system to bacterial challenges, suggesting that ELF‐EMF could be exploited for beneficial uses
Show BibTeX
@article{z_2010_extremely_lowfrequency_electromagnetic_fields_313,
author = {Akan Z and Aksu B and Tulunay A and Bilsel S and Inhan-Garip A},
title = {Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields affect the immune response of monocyte-derived macrophages to pathogens.},
year = {2010},
doi = {10.1002/bem.20607},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bem.20607},
}