• experimental
  
• epidemiological
  

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Medical/biological Study (experimental study)

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

PubMed Entry

Journal web site

Aim of study (according 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

• genotoxicity/mutation: chromosome damage

Exposure
General category: 50/60 Hz (AC)

Field characteristics	Parameters
50 Hz exposure duration: intermittent, 5 min on/10 min off for 2 to 24 h	magnetic flux density: 1 mT

Exposed system:
intact cell/cell culture (in vitro)
ES-1 (human diploid fibroblasts)

Methods
Endpoint/Measurement parameters/Methodology

• genotoxicity/mutation: induction of micronuclei (micronucleus assay) and chromosome aberrations (chromosome gaps, chromosome breaks, ring chromosomes, dicentric chromosomes, acentric fragments; Giemsa staining)

Main outcome of study (according 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: medical/biological study, experimental study, full/main study)

Study funded by

• European Union (EU)/European Commission

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