1
|
Tekam CKS, Majumdar S, Kumari P, Prajapati SK, Sahi AK, Shinde S, Singh R, Samaiya PK, Patnaik R, Krishnamurthy S, Mahto SK. Effects of ELF-PEMF exposure on spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor co-ordination and locomotor activity of adult wistar rats and viability of C6 (Glial) cells in culture. Toxicology 2023; 485:153409. [PMID: 36572170 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The effects of ELF-PEMF exposure on spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor coordination, and locomotor activity have been discussed in various pre-clinical and clinical settings. Several epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated the potential effects of ELF-PEMF when exposed > ∼1 h/day; however, very few studies have focused on understanding the influence of ELF-PEMF exposure of 1-3 mT with an exposure duration of < 1 h/day on spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor coordination, and locomotor activity. Hence, we attempted to study the effects of ELF-PEMF exposure of 1-3 mT, 50 Hz with an exposure duration of 20 min each with a 4 h gap (2 times) on the cellular proliferation and morphologies of C6 (Glial) cells and spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor coordination and locomotor activity of Wistar rats under in vitro and in vivo conditions, respectively. The results showed that ELF-PEMF exposure did not induce any significant levels of cellular fragmentation and changes in the morphology of glial cells. Also, the outcomes revealed no noticeable effects on spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor coordination, and locomotor activity in PEMF-exposed groups compared with the control. No undesirable side effects were observed at the highest dose (B=3 mT). We also performed histological analysis of the selected brain sections (hippocampus and cortex) following ELF-PEMF exposure. Incidentally, no significant changes were observed in cortical cell counts, tissue structure, and morphology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Kant Singh Tekam
- Tissue Engineering and Bio-Microfluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi, India
| | - Shreyasi Majumdar
- Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi, India
| | - Pooja Kumari
- Tissue Engineering and Bio-Microfluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Prajapati
- Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi, India; Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33613, USA
| | - Ajay Kumar Sahi
- Tissue Engineering and Bio-Microfluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi, India
| | - Saksha Shinde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shri Govindram Seksariya Institute of Technology and Science, Indore, India
| | - Richa Singh
- Tissue Engineering and Bio-Microfluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi, India
| | - Puneet Kumar Samaiya
- Department of Pharmacy, Shri Govindram Seksariya Institute of Technology and Science, Indore, India
| | - Ranjana Patnaik
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, UP, India; Electrophysiology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi, India
| | - Sairam Krishnamurthy
- Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Mahto
- Tissue Engineering and Bio-Microfluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Choi S, Kim S, Bae S, Kim W, Park JH, Chung E, Park J, Park DU. Characterization of Levels of Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields Emitted From Portable Hand-Held Fans. Bioelectromagnetics 2019; 40:569-577. [PMID: 31373404 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to assess the levels of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) emitted from portable hand-held fans (HHFs) and their principal frequency and to identify factors influencing these levels. We collected a total of eleven models of HHF and monitored the ELF-MF as a function of fan speed and distance from the fan. EMDEX II was used to monitor the ELF-MF. An SMP2 EMF-meter equipped with a P400 field probe was used to determine the levels of ELF-MF and the frequency spectrum. Ten of the fans, excluding only one bladeless-fan model, emitted a high level of ELF-MF near the source of the HHF direct-current motor. The maximum measured level of ELF-MF ranged from 14.07 to 218.7 µT. All measurements of the ELF-MF taken within 10 cm from the HHFs showed values higher than 1.0 µT. ELF-MF levels were found to decrease markedly with distance, regardless of the HHF product. The level of ELF-MF rose noticeably with increased fan speed. The speed of and distance from the HHF significantly influenced the level of ELF-MF. All principal frequencies ranged from 1 to 300 Hz, which falls in the typical range of ELF. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:569-577. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sangjun Choi
- Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyeon Kim
- Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoyoun Bae
- Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Kim
- Wonjin Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hyun Park
- Department of Statistics, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunkyo Chung
- Department of Work Environment, Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoon Park
- Department of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Uk Park
- Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bellieni CV, Nardi V, Buonocore G, Di Fabio S, Pinto I, Verrotti A. Electromagnetic fields in neonatal incubators: the reasons for an alert. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2017; 32:695-699. [PMID: 28988507 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1390559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal incubators are important tools for sick newborns in the first few days of life. Nevertheless, their electric engine, often very close to the newborn's body, emits electromagnetic fields (EMF) to which newborns are exposed. Aim of this paper is to review the available literature on EMF exposure in incubators, and the effects of such exposures on newborns that have been investigated. METHODS We carried out a systematic review of studies about EMF emissions produced by incubators, using Medline and Embase databases from 1993 to 2017. RESULTS We retrieved 15 papers that described the EMF exposure in incubators and their biological effects on babies. EMF levels in incubators appear to be between 2 and 100 mG, depending on the distance of the mattress from the electric engine. In some cases, they exceed this range. These values interfere with melatonin production or with vagal tone. Even caregivers are exposed to high EMF, above 200 mG, when working at close contact with the incubators. CONCLUSION EMF have been described as potentially hazardous for human health, and values reported in this review are an alert to prevent babies' and caregivers' exposure when close to the incubators. A precautionary approach should be adopted in future incubator design, to prevent high exposures of newborns in incubators and of caregivers as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Valerio Bellieni
- a Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproduction Medicine , University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Valentina Nardi
- b Department of Pediatrics , University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Buonocore
- a Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproduction Medicine , University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Sandra Di Fabio
- b Department of Pediatrics , University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
| | - Iole Pinto
- c Physical Agents Laboratory, ASL Toscana Sud Est , Siena , Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- b Department of Pediatrics , University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Coskun O, Comlekci S. The influence of pulsed electric field on hematological parameters in rat. Toxicol Ind Health 2012; 29:862-6. [PMID: 22585932 DOI: 10.1177/0748233712446724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to investigate whether or not pulsed electric field (PEF) affects some hematological parameters in rats. Sixteen healthy male Wistar rats weighting 150–200 g were used and were randomly divided into two groups. Exposure group ( n = 8) was exposed to a PEF (10 kV m−1 for 1 h d−1) for 10 consecutive days. The control group rats ( n = 8) were not exposed to PEF. The following hematological parameters were measured in both the groups: white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht) and platelets (PLTs). Some of the hematological parameters under investigation were similar in both the groups. Exposure group, exposed for 1 h d−1 during 10 consecutive days, induced a significant increase in the rates of WBC ( p < 0.05), RBC ( p < 0.05), Hb ( p < 0.05), Ht ( p < 0.05) and PLTs ( p < 0.05) in blood when compared with control. These results suggest that PEFs affect the hematological parameters in rat. Results of the parameters are statistically significant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Coskun
- Department of Biomedical Device Technology, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Selcuk Comlekci
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bellieni CV, Pinto I, Bogi A, Zoppetti N, Andreuccetti D, Buonocore G. Exposure to electromagnetic fields from laptop use of "laptop" computers. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2012; 67:31-36. [PMID: 22315933 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2011.564232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Portable computers are often used at tight contact with the body and therefore are called "laptop." The authors measured electromagnetic fields (EMFs) laptop computers produce and estimated the induced currents in the body, to assess the safety of laptop computers. The authors evaluated 5 commonly used laptop of different brands. They measured EMF exposure produced and, using validated computerized models, the authors exploited the data of one of the laptop computers (LTCs) to estimate the magnetic flux exposure of the user and of the fetus in the womb, when the laptop is used at close contact with the woman's womb. In the LTCs analyzed, EMF values (range 1.8-6 μT) are within International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines, but are considerably higher than the values recommended by 2 recent guidelines for computer monitors magnetic field emissions, MPR II (Swedish Board for Technical Accreditation) and TCO (Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees), and those considered risky for tumor development. When close to the body, the laptop induces currents that are within 34.2% to 49.8% ICNIRP recommendations, but not negligible, to the adult's body and to the fetus (in pregnant women). On the contrary, the power supply induces strong intracorporal electric current densities in the fetus and in the adult subject, which are respectively 182-263% and 71-483% higher than ICNIRP 98 basic restriction recommended to prevent adverse health effects. Laptop is paradoxically an improper site for the use of a LTC, which consequently should be renamed to not induce customers towards an improper use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C V Bellieni
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproduction Medicine, University of Siena, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Leitgeb N, Cech R, Schröttner J, Lehofer P, Schmidpeter U, Rampetsreiter M. Magnetic emission ranking of electrical appliances. A comprehensive market survey. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2008; 129:439-45. [PMID: 18033762 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncm460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decades emissions of magnetic fields from electric appliances have considerably changed. Based on a comprehensive market survey it could be shown that today magnetic emissions are usually characterised by complex frequency spectra while single-frequency emissions have become rare. Therefore, spectral assessment procedures play a critical role. Compared to frequency-weighted equivalent magnetic induction, rms values may underestimate emissions up to two orders of magnitudes. Therefore, rms measurements are not suitable and emission-ranking lists of devices need revision. Surface hot-spot measurements at nominal load conditions and 230 V/50 Hz supply involved 1146 new electrical devices of 166 different categories. High emissions were not rare. Magnetic emissions of devices of 73 different categories exceeded reference levels up to almost two orders of magnitudes above reference levels. Maximum values were higher than reported so far. Magnetic emissions were high enough to make even conformity with existing basic restrictions not self-evident.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Leitgeb
- Institute of Clinical Engineering and European Notified Body of Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Inffeldgasse 18, Graz, Austria.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Moriyama K, Yoshitomi K. Apartment electrical wiring: a cause of extremely low frequency magnetic field exposure in residential areas. Bioelectromagnetics 2005; 26:238-41. [PMID: 15768426 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MFs) were measured at 696 points in a room of a Japanese apartment building. The building had 124 rooms with layouts and wiring identical to those of the studied room. ELF-MFs exceeded 0.4 microT in 24% of the living space, and the maximum value, 1.8 microT, was detected at floor level. Analysis of the MF distribution revealed that 60 Hz 100 V electrical wiring for room lights within the floor and ceiling had been laid out in large rectangles, equivalent to 1 turn coils. Further plotting of the vertical components every 0.01 m on the floor indicated that the depth of the cable was 0.23 m. Further studies should be conducted in order to confirm that the building investigated in this pilot study is typical of Japanese apartment buildings in terms of ELF-MFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kosei Moriyama
- Department of Medicine, Fukuoka Dental College, Tamura, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bellieni CV, Bagnoli F, Pinto I, Stacchini N, Buonocore G. Reduction of exposure of newborns and caregivers to very high electromagnetic fields produced by incubators. Med Phys 2004; 32:149-52. [PMID: 15719965 DOI: 10.1118/1.1829404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this paper is to measure whether ferromagnetic panels sufficiently reduce the high electromagnetic fields (EMF) to which newborns are exposed in incubators and to which caregivers are exposed when working near the incubators. We measured EMF at mattress level in three neonatal incubators with and without ferromagnetic panels between the electric motor and the mattress. We then measured the EMF at the level of the maximum emission point for caregivers, i.e., near the display panel. The ferromagnetic panels were (a) 5 mm thick iron, (b), (c), (d) respectively, one, two, and three sheets of 0.3 mm thick mu-metal. The weight of iron sheet was 4 g/cm2, and mu-metal 0.2 g/cm2. The use of the ferromagnetic panels significantly reduced the EMF. No significant difference in attenuation was recorded using one, two, or, three sheets of mu-metal, or a single sheet of iron. One, two, and three sheets of mu-metal reduced EMFs by 77%, 82%, and 84.3%, respectively; the reduction with iron was 80%. EMF values measured in incubators were higher than those to which the general population is exposed. The use of ferromagnetic panels significantly reduces the level of EMFs to which neonates and caregivers are exposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C V Bellieni
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproduction Medicine, NICU, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, Siena 53100, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kurokawa Y, Nitta H, Kabuto M. Evaluation of Residential Exposure to Intermediate Frequency Magnetic Fields. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 59:693-9. [PMID: 16789479 DOI: 10.1080/00039890409602955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The authors measured the exposure to intermediate-frequency (IF: 10 kHz to 30 MHz) electromagnetic fields (EMF) in residential environments. They developed a system to acquire and record waveforms of IF magnetic fields (MFs) and set 5 nanotesla (nT) for the trigger level of acquisition. They operated the system near power lines, railroads, and electrical appliances as possible sources of IF-MFs. Most of the maximum values of magnetic flux density and the time derivative for each wave were below the upper limit of the measurable range of our system (i.e., 53 nT and 10 T/s); these values were much lower than the minimum amplitudes that can theoretically induce heating or membrane excitation within biological systems. Moreover, the amplitudes of the IF-MFs were not related to those of extremely low frequency (ELF) MF measured simultaneously, indicating that IF-MFs do not underlie the associations, observed in several epidemiological studies, between residential exposure to ELF-EMF and childhood cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshika Kurokawa
- Regional Environment Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bonhomme-Faivre L, Slama C, Tanguy ML, Santini R, Bezie Y, Marion S, Bottius L, Pham NL, Orbach-Arbouys S. Hematologic and Cortisol Alterations Observed in Young Mice Placed in Front of a Color Television Screen. Electromagn Biol Med 2004. [DOI: 10.1081/jbc-120037864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
11
|
Behrens T, Terschüren C, Kaune WT, Hoffmann W. Quantification of lifetime accumulated ELF-EMF exposure from household appliances in the context of a retrospective epidemiological case-control study. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE ANALYSIS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2004; 14:144-53. [PMID: 15014545 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jea.7500305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
In Europe household appliances are a major source of indoor 50 Hz magnetic field exposure. A number of epidemiological studies have reported associations between leukemia risk and personal use of household appliances. In the "Norddeutsche Leukämie und Lymphomstudie" (NLL), which was conducted in Northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony) between 1997 and 2001, lifetime use of a preselected array of electric appliances (microwave ovens, hair-dryers, motorized electrical alarm clocks (i.e. that use a motor to move their hands or digits), electric blankets and pillows, heated waterbeds, computers with conventional screens, TVs, and electric sewing machines) was recorded in a standardized, personal, computerized interview. Exposure was assessed on three different levels of precision: ever use, cumulative appliance-years, and average time of daily use. Additional questions referred to exposure modifying factors, including distance from screen while watching TV, position of an alarm clock at the bed etc.). Exposure to ELF-EMF from household appliances was quantified as ever vs. never use, gross and net appliance-years of lifetime use and cumulative microT-hours. Flux densities were based on measurements of appliances from the published literature. These were used as weighting factors to account for the different device-specific contributions to overall ELF-EMF exposure. Resulting distributions (as quartiles) for exposure scores revealed systematic differences for different levels of precision. Our analysis indicates that valid assessment of ELF-EMF exposure from household appliances should be based on the highest possible degree of precision and hence provides a considerable challenge in analytic epidemiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Behrens
- Bremer Institut für Präventionsforschung und Sozialmedizin, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Moriyama K, Sato H, Tanaka K, Nakashima Y, Yoshitomi K. Extremely low frequency magnetic fields originating from equipment used for assisted reproduction, umbilical cord and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, transfusion, and hemodialysis. Bioelectromagnetics 2004; 26:69-73. [PMID: 15605403 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MFs) originating from equipment used for assisted reproduction, umbilical cord-blood and peripheral-blood stem cell transplantation, transfusion, and hemodialysis were measured. The ELF-MF values were 0.1-1.2 microT on clean benches, <0.1-8.0 microT on inverted microscopes, <0.1-13.6 mmicroT in CO2 incubators, 4.3-11.5 microT in centrifuges, 0.4-18.8 microT in programmed freezers, <0.1-0.3 microT in deep freezers, 0.3-3.1 microT on cell separators, and 0.2-0.9 microT in hemodialysers. Frequencies of MFs were nominally 60 Hz, but some devices showed non-sinusoidal 120 Hz. Such MFs can be reduced by shielding the sources or altering the protocols employed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kosei Moriyama
- Department of Medicine, Fukuoka Dental College, 2-15-1 Tamura, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kaune WT, Miller MC, Linet MS, Hatch EE, Kleinerman RA, Wacholder S, Mohr AH, Tarone RE, Haines C. Magnetic fields produced by hand held hair dryers, stereo headsets, home sewing machines, and electric clocks. Bioelectromagnetics 2002; 23:14-25. [PMID: 11793402 DOI: 10.1002/bem.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A recent epidemiologic study reported associations between leukemia risk in children and their personal use of television (TV) sets, hair dryers, and stereo headsets, and the prenatal use by their mothers of sewing machines. To provide exposure data to aid in the interpretation of these findings, extremely and very low frequency (ELF and VLF) magnetic fields produced by a sample of each type of appliance were characterized in a field study of volunteers conducted in Washington DC and its Maryland suburbs. Questionnaire data regarding children's or mothers' patterns of usage of each type of appliance were also collected. ELF magnetic fields measured 10 cm from the nozzles of hair dryers were elevated over the ambient by a mean factor of 17 when these devices were in use. Fields near headsets being used to listen to music were not distinguishable from ambient levels except at frequencies below and well above 60 Hz and, even then, field levels were < 0.01 microT. Home sewing machines produced ELF magnetic fields that were elevated by a factor of 2.8 over ambient levels at the front surfaces of the lower abdomens of mothers. Estimated mean daily times of usage of hair dryers, stereo headsets, and sewing machines were 2.6, 19, and 17 minutes, respectively. These data and previously published data on TV sets, do not provide a consistent picture of increased (or decreased) leukemia risk in relation to increasing peak or time weighted average (TWA) ELF magnetic field exposure. The data could, however, conceivably be compatible with some more complex biophysical model with unknown properties. Overall, the results of this study provide little evidence supporting the hypothesis that peak or TWA ELF magnetic fields produced by appliances are causally related to the risk of childhood leukemia in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W T Kaune
- EM Factors, Richland, Washington, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Marino AA, Wolcott RM, Chervenak R, Jourd'heuil F, Nilsen E, Frilot C. Nonlinear determinism in the immune system. In vivo influence of electromagnetic fields on different functions of murine lymphocyte subpopulations. Immunol Invest 2001; 30:313-34. [PMID: 11777283 DOI: 10.1081/imm-100108166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Animal studies of the effects of low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on the immune system appear inconsistent, and recent evidence indicates that inconspicuous experimental problems are not responsible. We hypothesized that the inconsistencies resulted from use of linear methods and models to study inherently nonlinear input-output relationships. Using a novel analytical method, we found that exposure of mice to 5 G, 60 Hz, for 1-105 days in 6 independent experiments consistently affected a broad panel of immune variables when and only when the reaction of the immune system was modeled to allow the possibility of nonlinearity in the relationship between the field and the immune variables. It was possible to mimic the pattern observed in the immune data by sampling from a known chaotic system, suggesting the possibility that the observed pattern was the result of intrinsic nonlinear regulatory mechanisms in the immune system. Overall, the results suggested that lymphoid sub-populations were vulnerable to the physiological consequences of EMF transduction, that it may never be possible to predict specific changes in particular immune-system variables, and that the underlying behavior of the immune system (that which occurs in the absence of specific inputs) may be governed by laws that manifest extreme sensitivity to prior states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A A Marino
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|