Archive
8 postsA Cohort Study on Alzheimer's Disease in Relation to Residential Magnetic Fields From Indoor Transformer Stations
This cohort study evaluated Alzheimer's disease incidence in relation to residential extremely low frequency magnetic fields from indoor transformer stations, using apartment location as an exposure proxy. No significant association was observed between living next to transformer stations and Alzheimer's disease risk (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.85–1.22). Duration of residence did not materially change risk, and a younger-start subgroup showed a non-significant elevation. The authors note the results did not replicate previously reported positive associations from other residential or occupational studies.
Exposure of human lymphocytes to sweeping-frequency extremely low frequency magnetic field
This in vitro study exposed human umbilical cord blood lymphocytes to a sinusoidal sweeping-frequency ELF magnetic field (3–26 Hz) for 48 hours at amplitudes from 6 to 24 μT. It reports no statistically significant effects on DNA damage/repair foci or apoptosis measures overall. A non-significant trend at 8 μT showed lower γH2AX foci (p = .064) and data suggesting fewer viable cells at the same intensity, which the authors discuss as potentially protective against DNA double-strand breaks.
The proliferation rates of HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cells can be accelerated or inhibited by weak static and extremely low frequency magnetic fields
This in vitro study exposed HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cells for 4 days to weak extremely low frequency magnetic fields (10 μT, 12–33 Hz) superimposed on a 45 μT static field. The authors report frequency- and amplitude-dependent increases or decreases in cell growth, including sharp inversions near 16.5 Hz with small parameter changes or reversal of the static field direction. Associated changes in membrane potential, intracellular calcium, and mitochondrial superoxide are presented as supporting a bioenergetic mechanism.
Human achromatic flickers and phosphenes thresholds under extremely low frequency electric stimulations
This study estimated thresholds and locus for human phosphene perception during non-invasive transcranial alternating current stimulation at 20, 50, 60, and 100 Hz. Perception depended significantly on stimulation intensity, with the lowest threshold at 20 Hz and no reported phosphenes at 100 Hz. The authors report dosimetry consistent with a retinal origin and frame the findings as relevant for informing cautious ELF exposure limits in safety guidelines.
A comprehensive mechanism of biological and health effects of anthropogenic extremely low frequency and wireless communication electromagnetic fields
This narrative review discusses biological mechanisms and reported health effects of anthropogenic extremely low frequency (ELF) and wireless communication (WC) electromagnetic fields. It highlights oxidative stress and DNA damage as key mechanistic endpoints and proposes an IFO-VGIC pathway linking EMF exposure to ROS overproduction and cellular dysfunction. The authors interpret the broader literature as indicating risks (e.g., cancer, infertility, EHS) even below current exposure limits and advocate precautionary policy measures, including stricter limits and a 5G moratorium.
A Mini-Review of the Potential Health Impacts of Indoor Radiation Exposure in Companion Animals
This mini-review discusses indoor radiation sources that may affect companion animals, including radon, radionuclides in feed, radiofrequency sources (phones, Wi-Fi, pet tracking devices), solar radiation, and extremely low frequency radiation. It reports that indoor radiation may negatively impact companion animal health and well-being. The authors conclude that preventive and precautionary measures are necessary to protect companion animals from indoor radiation exposure.
Extremely low frequency magnetic field distracts zebrafish from a visual cognitive task
This animal study trained adult zebrafish to perform a conditioned avoidance response to a visual cue. The visual cue was presented alone or together with an extremely low frequency sinusoidally changing magnetic field (0.3 Hz) at 0.015 mT or 0.06 mT. The abstract reports that the 0.06 mT magnetic field condition impaired learning performance and response behavior, suggesting a cross-modal distraction effect.
Biological effects of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields: a review
This review summarizes reported biological effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields, describing them as significant and often acting as stressors. Reported outcomes include metabolic, hormonal, and body weight changes in rodents, lethality at high exposure levels in mice and insects, and increased mitotic index in mouse tissues/cells under specified exposure conditions. The review suggests many effects may be mediated through neuroendocrine, nervous system, or behavioral responses to field exposure.