Medical/biological study (observational study)

[Response to ACTH of cows under exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields] med./bio.

ACTH-Stimulationstest bei Kühen unter dem Einfluss hochfrequenter elektromagnetischer Felder

By: Wenzel C, Wohr AC, Schönreiter-Fischer S, Klempt M, Unshelm J

Published in: Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2002; 30: 144-147

Cows salivary cortisol levels were measured on 17 dairy farms in Bavaria under exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields of mobile phone networks.

Data are intended to give an impression of the stress situation of the animals (via cortisol secretion). The investigation differentiated between low-exposure and high-exposure farms. Five cows per farm were treated intravenously with adrenocorticotropic hormone. By means of saliva samples a cortisol profile over four hours was then determined.
Under chronic stress situation the adrenal cortex activity is increased. Therefore, the organism response to a exogenous stressor (stimulated via ACTH administration) by an increase of the peripheral cortisol level.

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz–1.8 GHz Modulation type: pulsed Exposure duration: continuous	electric field strength: 160 mV/m maximum

Modulation type	pulsed

Exposure source	GSM network
Additional info	17 Bavarian dairy farms were investigated. The cows were divided into 4 groups: Group A and B served as exposure groups and C and D as control groups. Group A was under the highest exposure conditions whereas group D was under the lowest.

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
electric field strength	160 mV/m	maximum	measured	-	-

The highest exposure levels measured in the stables were 140-160 mV/m.

Exposed system:

Investigated system:

Investigated organ system:

Time of investigation:

Highly exposed cows had a higher and more sustained cortisol level than animals with exposure of a lower level. Therefore it is concluded that cows with prolonged exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields are chronically stressed. This could lead to a higher susceptibility to diseases.

Study character:

Hässig M et al. (2014): Influence of non ionizing radiation of base stations on the activity of redox proteins in bovines
Hässig M et al. (2012): [Increased occurence of nuclear cataract in the calf after erection of a mobile phone base station]
Hässig M et al. (2009): Prevalence of nuclear cataract in Swiss veal calves and its possible association with mobile telephone antenna base stations
Wenzel C et al. (2002): [Behaviour of dairy cows under the influence of electromagnetic fields]
Mann K et al. (1998): Effects of pulsed high-frequency electromagnetic fields on the neuroendocrine system