Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Chromosomal damage in human diploid fibroblasts by intermittent exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields med./bio.

Published in: Mutat Res Genet Toxicol Environ Mutagen 2005; 585 (1-2): 43-49

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effect of intermittent extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on the induction of micronuclei and chromosome aberrations in cultured human fibroblasts.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: intermittent, 5 min on/10 min off for 2 to 24 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration intermittent, 5 min on/10 min off for 2 to 24 h
Exposure setup
Exposure source
  • two four coil system
Setup Each coil system was placed in a µ-metal box with the current in the coils switched parallel for exposure or anti-parallel for sham exposure. Both systems were placed in an incubator maintained at 37°C.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 1 mT unspecified measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields resulted in a time-dependent increase of micronuclei, which became significant after 10 h at a magnetic flux density of 1 mT. After approximately 15 h a constant level of micronuclei of about three times the basal level was reached. Additionally, chromosome aberrations were increased up to 10-fold above basal levels.
The findings strongly indicate a clastogenic potential of intermittent low frequency electromagnetic fields, which may lead to considerable chromosomal damage in dividing cells.

Study character:

Study funded by

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