Medical/biological study (observational study)

MF magnitude does not affect body condition, pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants in Eurasian kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) nestlings med./bio.

By: Costantini D, Casagrande S, Dell'Omo G

Published in: Environ Res 2007; 104 (3): 361-366

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of 50 Hz magnetic fields from power lines on body condition, serum carotenoids and oxidative stress parameters in Eurasian kestrel nestlings.

Background/further details

Eurasian kestrels use readily nest boxes directly mounted under electric power lines. Consequently, nestlings are exposed since their embryonal development in the egg until fledging and hence represent a useful model to study the potential effects from power lines on wild animals.
The nestlings (5-31 day old) were collected from different nest boxes in the area of Rome. For each nest, the magnetic flux density was measured inside the box. Additionally, nestlings from non-exposed boxes (e.g. mounted on buildings) were collected.
In 2002, data from 100 nestlings out of 27 nests were recorded. In 2003, body condition and serum carotenoids were recorded from 164 nestlings out of 40 nests and oxidative stress parameters from 163 nestlings out of 39 nests.

Endpoint

body condition; oxidative stress in the serum

Exposure

- 50 Hz
- 50/60 Hz
- magnetic field
- power transmission line

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz Exposure duration: breeding season of 2002 or 2003	magnetic flux density: 0.6 µT minimum (in 2002) magnetic flux density: 5.27 µT mean (± 1.01 µT; in 2002) magnetic flux density: 20.44 µT maximum (in 2002) magnetic flux density: 0 µT minimum (in 2003) magnetic flux density: 4.72 µT mean (± 0.67 µT; in 2003) magnetic flux density: 15.46 µT maximum (in 2003)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	50 Hz
Type	electric field magnetic field
Exposure duration	breeding season of 2002 or 2003

Exposure setup

Exposure source	power transmission lines (60, 150, 220, or 380 kV)
Setup	nests in nesting boxes, fixed on power line pylons or mounted on non-electric pylons and buildings at a height between 7 m and 20 m from the ground

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	0.6 µT	minimum	measured	-	in 2002
magnetic flux density	5.27 µT	mean	measured	-	± 1.01 µT; in 2002
magnetic flux density	20.44 µT	maximum	measured	-	in 2002
magnetic flux density	0 µT	minimum	measured	-	in 2003
magnetic flux density	4.72 µT	mean	measured	-	± 0.67 µT; in 2003
magnetic flux density	15.46 µT	maximum	measured	-	in 2003

Exposed system:

animal
Eurasian kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

body condition: wing length and body weight; oxidative stress in the serum: concentration of carotenoids, level of reactive oxygen species, anti-oxidant capacity (spectrophotometry)

Investigated system:

isolated bio./chem. substance
blood serum
investigation on living organism

Time of investigation:

during exposure
after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No significant relationship was found between the determined magnetic flux density and the examined variables.
The data indicate that 50 Hz magnetic fields from power lines have no effect on the body condition, serum carotenoids and oxidative stress parameters in Eurasian kestrel nestlings.

Study character:

medical/biological study
observational study
full/main study

Study funded by

Ornis italica, Rome, Italy
University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy

Dell'Omo G et al. (2009): Magnetic fields produced by power lines do not affect growth, serum melatonin, leukocytes and fledging success in wild kestrels
Fernie KJ et al. (2001): Evidence of oxidative stress in American kestrels exposed to electromagnetic fields
Fernie KJ et al. (2000): Effects of electromagnetic fields on the reproductive success of American kestrels
Fernie KJ et al. (2000): Effects of electromagnetic fields on the growth of nestling american kestrels