• experimental
  
• epidemiological
  

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Medical/biological Study (experimental study)

DNA and chromosomal damage in response to intermittent extremely low-frequency magnetic fields. med./biol.

PubMed Entry

Journal web site

Aim of study (according to author)
To study the ability of alternating magnetic fields to induce DNA and chromosomal damage in primary human fibroblasts.
Background/further details:
Exposure to ionizing radiation was used as positive control.

Endpoint

• genotoxicity/mutation: genetic damage (DNA damage and chromosomal damage)

Exposure
General category: magnetic field, 50/60 Hz (AC)

Field characteristics	Parameters
50 Hz exposure duration: 5 min on - 10 min off - for 15 h	magnetic flux density: 50 µT min value magnetic flux density: 100 µT magnetic flux density: 500 µT magnetic flux density: 1000 µT max value

Exposed system:
intact cell/cell culture (in vitro)

Methods
Endpoint/Measurement parameters/Methodology

• genotoxicity/mutation: single-strand breaks, double-strand breaks (alkaline comet assay; gamma-H2AX assay), sister chromatid exchange (fluorescence plus Giemsa stain); detection of unstable chromosomes and chromatid type aberrations (Giemsa stain) and formation of micronuclei (Giemsa stain)

Main outcome of study (according to author)
Data of DNA single-strand breaks and double-strand breaks and visible chromosomal alterations after exposure of primary human fibroblasts to alternating magnetic fields did not lead to significant levels of damage being detected, and so yet the positive findings from the REFLEX project could not be confirmed.

(Study character: medical/biological study, experimental study, full/main study)

Study funded by

• EMF Biological Research Trust (EMFBRT), UK

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