Medical/biological study (observational study)

No association of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin with in-bed 60-Hz magnetic field exposure or illumination level among older adults med./bio.

By: Youngstedt SD, Kripke DF, Elliott JA, Assmus JD

Published in: Environ Res 2002; 89 (3): 201-209

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To examine whether there is an association between nocturnal exposure to 60 Hz magnetic fields and 6-sulphatoxy melatonin level in urine of older adults.

Background/further details

In total, 242 subjects (224 female, 16 male) participated in the study (mean age 67.6 years). During one week, the magnetic field levels were measured as close as possible to the subject's head during sleep. Urine was collected by the subjects on two days (approximately 3 days apart) for somewhat longer than 24 hours.

Endpoint

endocrine changes: level of 6-sulphatoxy melatonin in urine

Exposure

- 50/60 Hz
- magnetic field
- inhouse wiring
- other domestic appliance
- residential
- co-exposure

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 60 Hz Exposure duration: 1 week during sleep	magnetic flux density: 6.31 µT maximum (in bed/under pillow) magnetic flux density: 100 nT mean (in bed/under pillow)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	60 Hz
Type	magnetic field
Exposure duration	1 week during sleep

Exposure setup

Exposure source	domestic appliances, inhouse wiring

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	6.31 µT	maximum	measured	-	in bed/under pillow
magnetic flux density	100 nT	mean	measured	-	in bed/under pillow

Exposed system:

human
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

endocrine changes: level of 6-sulphatoxy melatonin in urine (ELISA)
demographic and medical data (age, intake of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication or melatonin-altering medication) (interview); illumination and activity (wrist monitor)

Investigated system:

isolated bio./chem. substance
investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

endocrine system

Time of investigation:

before exposure
during exposure
after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No association between the magnetic field exposure and the urinary level of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin was found.
The authors conclude, that the data suggest no influence of nocturnal 60 Hz magnetic field exposure on 6-sulfatoxymelatonin excretion in older adults.

Study character:

medical/biological study
observational study
full/main study

Study funded by

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), North Carolina, USA

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