• experimental
  
• epidemiological
  

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Medical/biological Study (experimental study)

Cytogenetic effects of 50 Hz magnetic fields of different magnetic flux densities. med./biol.

PubMed Entry

Journal web site

Aim of study (according to author)
This in vitro study was performed to investigate possible (co-)mutagen effects of extremely low frequency magnetic field in human blood lymphocytes and their dose dependent reponse.
Background/further details:
The lymphocytes were isolated from the blood of 21 healthy male and female donors and they were exposed to magnetic field alone or in combination with the mutagen mitomycin C (0.1 µg/ml) or X-rays co-exposed.

Endpoint

• genotoxicity/mutation: chromosome aberration, sister chromatid exchange

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

Field characteristics	Parameters
field 1: 50 Hz EMF exposure only exposure duration: during entire cultivation time	magnetic flux density: 2500 µT max value (62.8, 80, 88.4, 504, 1061, 1750, 2500 µT)
field 2: 50 Hz EMF exposure + MMC exposure duration: 30 min up to entire cultivation period	magnetic flux density: 1750 µT max value (88.4, 504, 1061, 1750 µT)
field 3: 50 Hz EMF + X-rays; x-irradiation prior to cultivation exposure duration: entire cultivation period	magnetic flux density: 1750 µT max value (88.4, 504, 1061, 1750 µT)
field 4: 50 Hz EMF + X-rays; first exposure to EMF, then to X-rays, then 48 h cultivation exposure duration: 2 h continuous	magnetic flux density: 1750 µT max value (80, 504, 1060, 1750 µT)

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

Methods
Endpoint/Measurement parameters/Methodology

• genotoxicity/mutation: chromosome aberration, sister chromatid exchange (Giemsa stain of metaphases, light microscopy)

Main outcome of study (according to author)
The exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields at seven different magnetic flux densities alone did not significantly influence the chromosome aberration and sister chromatid exchange frequency.
In general a co-mutagen effect was not observed in co-exposed cells. However, co-exposed cells (mitomycin C treated, at 504 µT) before and during cell cultivation showed a statistically significant decrease in sister chromatid exchange frequency. Also, when cells were cultivated in the presence of a magnetic field at 88.4 µT following X-ray exposure, there was a significant increase in chromosome aberration frequency compared to X-ray exposure alone.

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

Study funded by

• Electrable, Belgium

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