Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Macro- and trace element concentrations in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of dairy cows exposed to electric and magnetic fields med./bio.

By: Burchard JF, Nguyen DH, Block E

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 1999; 20 (6): 358-364

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on concentration of macro- and trace minerals in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in cows.

Background/further details

Eight pregnat cows and seven sterilized heifers were exposed continuously for 30 days. Blood samples and cerebrospinal fluid were collected for 3 consecutive befor exposure, last 3 days of exposure and for 3 days starting 5 days after exposure. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium were determined.

Endpoint

concentration of macro- and trace minerals in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid

Exposure

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 60 Hz Exposure duration: 30 days	magnetic flux density: 30 µT (horizontal field)
Exposure 2: 60 Hz Exposure duration: 30 days	electric field strength: 10 kV/m (vertical field)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	60 Hz
Type	magnetic field
Exposure duration	30 days

Exposure setup

Exposure source	coil(s)
Chamber	15 m long x 10 m wide x 3 m high containing eight wooden crates
Additional info	14 rectangular coils 10 m x 4 m each

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	30 µT	-	measured	-	horizontal field

Exposure 2

Main characteristics

Frequency	60 Hz
Type	electric field
Exposure duration	30 days

Exposure setup

Exposure source	Two plates 9 m x 6.5 m hanging 0.4 m from the ceiling, fixed with synthetic insulators

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
electric field strength	10 kV/m	-	measured	-	vertical field

Exposed system:

animal
cow/Holstein
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

macro- and trace elements in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (atomic absorption spectrophotometry)

Investigated system:

blood samples; cerebrospinal fluid
investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

blood samples; cerebrospinal fluid

Time of investigation:

during exposure
after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

EMF exposure leads to a decrease of magnesium in blood plasma, whereas concentrations of calcium and phosphorus were increased. Concentrations of iron and manganese were decreased in cerebrospinal fluid.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

Hydro-Québec, Canada

Erdem O et al. (2018): Effects of Intermittent and Continuous Magnetic Fields on Trace Element Levels in Guinea Pigs
Burchard JF et al. (2007): Exposure of pregnant dairy heifer to magnetic fields at 60 Hz and 30 microT
Burchard JF et al. (2006): Plasma concentrations of thyroxine in dairy cows exposed to 60 Hz electric and magnetic fields
Akdag Z et al. (2006): Effect of ELF magnetic fields on lipid peroxidation, sperm count, p53, and trace elements
Seyhan N et al. (2006): In vivo effects of ELF MFs on collagen synthesis, free radical processes, natural antioxidant system, respiratory burst system, immune system activities, and electrolytes in the skin, plasma, spleen, lung, kidney, and brain tissues
Rodriguez M et al. (2003): Responses of the estrous cycle in dairy cows exposed to electric and magnetic fields (60 Hz) during 8-h photoperiods
Rodriguez M et al. (2002): Effect of electric and magnetic fields (60 Hz) on production, and levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1, in lactating, pregnant cows subjected to short days
Burchard JF et al. (1998): Progesterone concentrations during estrous cycle of dairy cows exposed to electric and magnetic fields

Macro- and trace element concentrations in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of dairy cows exposed to electric and magnetic fields med./bio.

Aim of study (acc. to author)

Background/further details

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Exposure setup

Parameters

Exposure 2

Main characteristics

Exposure setup

Parameters

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Study funded by

Related articles