Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Retardation of embryogenesis by extremely low frequency 60 Hz electromagnetic fields med./bio.

By: Cameron IL, Hunter KE, Winters WD

Published in: Physiol Chem Phys Med NMR 1985; 17 (1): 135-138

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To examine whether in ovo exposure to electric and/or magnetic fields have biological effects on the development of fish embryos.

Endpoint

effects on embryo/fetus: embryogenesis

Exposure

- power transmission line

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 60 Hz Exposure duration: continuous for 48 h electric field	current density: 300 mA/m² effective value
Exposure 2: 60 Hz Exposure duration: continuous for 48 h magnetic field	magnetic flux density: 100 µT effective value
Exposure 3: 60 Hz Exposure duration: continuous for 48 h electric and magnetic field	current density: 300 mA/m² effective value magnetic flux density: 100 µT effective value

General information

Exposure setup described in reference article: J.H.Lucas and M.J.Johnson, IEEE, San Antonio, Texas, April 24-26, (1984), pp. 157-160

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	60 Hz
Type	electric field
Exposure duration	continuous for 48 h
Additional info	electric field

Exposure setup

Exposure source	not specified
Chamber	four chambers containing the eggs (final volume of 50 ml) were concurrently exposed to the individual and combined fields including a control

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
current density	300 mA/m²	effective value	-	-	-

Exposure 2

Main characteristics

Frequency	60 Hz
Type	magnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 48 h
Additional info	magnetic field

Exposure setup

Exposure source	not specified
Chamber	four chambers containing the eggs (final volume of 50 ml) were concurrently exposed to the individual and combined fields including a control

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	100 µT	effective value	-	-	-

Exposure 3

Main characteristics

Frequency	60 Hz
Type	electric field magnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 48 h
Additional info	electric and magnetic field

Exposure setup

Exposure source	not specified
Chamber	four chambers containing the eggs (final volume of 50 ml) were concurrently exposed to the individual and combined fields including a control

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
current density	300 mA/m²	effective value	-	-	-
magnetic flux density	100 µT	effective value	-	-	-

Exposed system:

animal
Japanese rice fish (Oryzias latipes) (embryo)
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on embryo/fetus: embryogenesis (development of a pectoral fin bud and its movement, heartbeat, number of somites, development of bladder, color of blood and urinary bladder)

Investigated system:

investigation on living organism

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Embryos which were exposed to a magnetic field or a combined magnetic and electric field (but not to an electric field alone) were delayed in their development compared to unexposed embryos, but developmental abnormalities were not found (remark EMF-Portal: detailed data not shown).
The authors conclude that magnetic fields could cause developmental retardation of vertebrates embryos.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

March of Dimes, USA
New York State Department of Health (DOH), USA

Fey DP et al. (2020): Otolith fluctuating asymmetry in larval trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, as an indication of organism bilateral instability affected by static and alternating magnetic fields
Fey DP et al. (2019): Are magnetic and electromagnetic fields of anthropogenic origin potential threats to early life stages of fish?
Li Y et al. (2014): Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields Induce Developmental Toxicity and Apoptosis in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos
Severini M et al. (2010): Metamorphosis delay in Xenopus laevis (Daudin) tadpoles exposed to a 50 Hz weak magnetic field
Severini M et al. (2010): Delayed maturation of Xenopus laevis (Daudin) tadpoles exposed to a weak ELF-MF: sensitivity to small variations of magnetic flux density
Komazaki S et al. (2007): Induction of increase in intracellular calcium concentration of embryonic cells and acceleration of morphogenetic cell movements during amphibian gastrulation by a 50-Hz magnetic field
Parivar K et al. (2006): Organ culture studies on the development of mouse embryo limb buds under EMF influence
Grimaldi S et al. (2004): Influence of 50-Hz electromagnetic field on anuran (Xenopus laevis) metamorphosis
Winnicki A et al. (2004): Effects of the magnetic field on different forms of embryonic locomotor activity of northern pike, Esox lucius L
Skauli KS et al. (2000): Hatching in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos exposed to a 50 Hz magnetic field
Formicki K et al. (1998): Reaction of fish embryos and larvae to constant magnetic fields

Retardation of embryogenesis by extremely low frequency 60 Hz electromagnetic fields med./bio.

Aim of study (acc. to author)

Endpoint

Exposure

General information

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Exposure setup

Parameters

Exposure 2

Main characteristics

Exposure setup

Parameters

Exposure 3

Main characteristics

Exposure setup

Parameters

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Study funded by

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