Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Chromatid damage in human lymphocytes is not affected by 50 Hz electromagnetic fields med./bio.

By: Hone P, Lloyd D, Szluinska M, Edwards A

Published in: Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2006; 121 (3): 321-324

Aim of study (acc. to author)

This in vitro study was performed to study genotoxic effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field and/or gamma rays (1 Gy) in human lymphocytes during the S phase and G₂ phase.

Background/further details

Lymphocytes were isolated from one blood sample of a healthy, non-smoker, 49 years old woman.

Endpoint

genotoxicity/mutation: chromatid aberration

Exposure

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz Exposure duration: continuous during S phase and G2 phase	magnetic flux density: 0.23 mT magnetic flux density: 0.47 mT magnetic flux density: 0.7 mT

General information

for further information see: Michael, B.D., Prose, K.M., Folkard M., Michell S.A. and Gilchrist S., "Effects of 50 Hz magnetic field exposure on mammalian cells in culture" Electromagnetic Environments and Health in Buildings 2004 ( Book - ISBN 0415316561)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	50 Hz
Type	magnetic field
Waveform	sinusoidal
Exposure duration	continuous during S phase and G2 phase

Exposure setup

Exposure source	coil(s) solenoid
Setup	2 solenoid coils, each enclosed in a µ-metal drum
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.
Additional info	half of the samples were exposed only to the magnetic field; the other half was exposed to the magnetic field after exposure to 1.0 Gy gamma rays; immediately the tubes went into the coils. Colcemid was added at intervals 0, 1, 2, 3 h.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	0.23 mT	-	-	-	-
magnetic flux density	0.47 mT	-	-	-	-
magnetic flux density	0.7 mT	-	-	-	-

Exposed system:

intact cell/cell culture

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

genotoxicity/mutation: chromatid aberration (chromatid gaps, breaks, exchanges; Giemsa stain, light microscopy)

Investigated system:

intact cell/cell culture
chromosomes

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field alone did not induce chromatid damage nor did it modify the frequency of chromatid aberrations caused by the gamma rays.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
follow-up study
blind study

Study funded by

EMF Biological Research Trust (EMFBRT), UK

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