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Lee HJ, Jin H, Ahn YH, Kim N, Pack JK, Choi HD, Lee YS. Effects of intermediate frequency electromagnetic fields: a review of animal studies. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 99:166-182. [PMID: 35758938 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2094016] [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: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many novel devices such as induction cookers or wireless power transfer produce electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the intermediate frequency (IF) range (300 Hz to 10 MHz) and it is very meaningful for summarizing the bioeffects of IF-EMF research, particularly animal studies. This review takes into account experimental studies that used murine models to study the health effects of exposure to IF-EMF. The analyses included here use data available in the literature published from January 1988 to August 2021 including the animal studies about general adverse effects, tumorigenic effects, and effects on developmental stages. The studies that linked IF-EMF exposure during pregnancy or neonatal stage to behavioral and cognition changes were included. Additionally, this review also covers the effects of IF-EMF on gene expression patterns in the brain, behavior patterns associated with learning and memory, and immune function. CONCLUSIONS Although most studies have suggested that IF-EMF is harmless, some adverse effects have been reported after exposure at developmental stages and prolonged exposure. Compared to extremely low frequency (ELF) or radiofrequency (RF) EMF bands, studies on health effects with more diverse perspectives of IF-EMF have not been conducted. Therefore, performing more research should be necessary using the latest biomedical tools. From this point of view, a comprehensive review of IF-EMF studies, particularly animal studies, will provide a valuable basis for further risk analysis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-June Lee
- Division of Basic Radiation Bioscience, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hee Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Hwan Ahn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Nam Kim
- School of Information and Communication Engineering, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Jeong Ki Pack
- Department of Radio and Information Communications Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyung-Do Choi
- Radio & Satellite Research Division, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yun-Sil Lee
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
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Kumari K, Koivisto H, Capstick M, Naarala J, Viluksela M, Tanila H, Juutilainen J. Behavioural phenotypes in mice after prenatal and early postnatal exposure to intermediate frequency magnetic fields. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 162:27-34. [PMID: 29276976 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Electromagnetic fields are ubiquitous in the environment. Human exposure to intermediate frequency (IF) fields is increasing due to applications like electronic article surveillance systems, wireless power transfer, and induction heating cooking hobs. However, there are limited data on possible health effects of exposure to IF magnetic fields (MF). In the present study, we set out to assess cognitive and behavioural effects of IF MF in mice exposed during prenatal and early postnatal periods. Pregnant female mice were exposed continuously to 7.5kHz MFs at 12 and 120μT, from mating until weaning of pups. Sham exposed pregnant mice were used as a control group. A behavioural teratology study was conducted on the male offspring at two months of age to detect possible effects on the developing nervous system. Body weight development did not differ between the exposure groups. The exposure did not alter spontaneous motor activity when exploring a novel cage or anxiety in novelty-suppressed feeding or marble burying tests. Improved performance in the Rotarod task was observed in the 12µT group, while the 120μT exposure group swam more slowly than the sham exposed group in the Morris swim navigation task. However, indices of learning and memory (path length and escape latency during task acquisition and search bias during the probe test) did not differ between the exposure groups. Furthermore, the passive avoidance task did not indicate any impairment of long-term memory over a 48h interval in the exposed groups. In a post-mortem histopathological analysis, there was no evidence for an effect of IF MF exposure on astroglial reactivity or hippocampal neurogenesis. The results suggest that the IF MF used did not have detrimental effects on spatial learning and memory or histological markers of tissue reaction. The two statistically significant findings that were observed (improved performance in the Rotarod task in the 12µT group and decreased swimming speed in the 120µT group) are likely to be chance findings, as they do not form an internally consistent, dose-dependent pattern indicative of specific developmental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Kumari
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | | | | | - Jonne Naarala
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Matti Viluksela
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; National Institute for Health and Welfare, Environmental Health Unit, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heikki Tanila
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Juutilainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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3
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Guney M, Ozguner F, Oral B, Karahan N, Mungan T. 900 MHz radiofrequency-induced histopathologic changes and oxidative stress in rat endometrium: protection by vitamins E and C. Toxicol Ind Health 2016; 23:411-20. [DOI: 10.1177/0748233707080906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
There are numerous reports on the effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in various cellular systems. Mechanisms of adverse effects of EMR indicate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) may play a role in the biological effects of this radiation. The aims of this study were to examine 900 MHz mobile phone-induced oxidative stress that promotes production of ROS and to investigate the role of vitamins E and C, which have antioxidant properties, on endometrial tissue against possible 900MHz mobile phone-induced endometrial impairment in rats. The animals were randomly grouped (eight each) as follows: 1) Control group (without stress and EMR, Group I), 2) sham-operated rats stayed without exposure to EMR (exposure device off, Group II), 3) rats exposed to 900MHz EMR (EMR group, Group III) and 4) a 900MHz EMR exposed + vitamin-treated group (EMR + Vit group, Group IV). A 900 MHz EMR was applied to EMR and EMR + Vit group 30min/day, for 30 days using an experimental exposure device. Endometrial levels of nitric oxide (NO, an oxidant product) and malondialdehyde (MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation), increased in EMR exposed rats while the combined vitamins E and C caused a significant reduction in the levels of NO and MDA. Likewise, endometrial superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities decreased in EMR exposed animals while vitamins E and C caused a significant increase in the activities of these antioxidant enzymes. In the EMR group histopathologic changes in endometrium, diffuse and severe apoptosis was present in the endometrial surface epithelial and glandular cells and the stromal cells. Diffuse eosinophilic leucocyte and lymphocyte infiltration were observed in the endometrial stroma whereas the combination of vitamins E and C caused a significant decrease in these effects of EMR. It is concluded that oxidative endometrial damage plays an important role in the 900 MHz mobile phone-induced endometrial impairment and the modulation of oxidative stress with vitamins E and C reduces the 900MHz mobile phone-induced endometrial damage both at biochemical and histological levels. Toxicology and Industrial Health 2007; 23: 411—420.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Guney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey, mguney@ med.sdu.edu.tr
| | - Fehmi Ozguner
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Baha Oral
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Nermin Karahan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Tamer Mungan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
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Ushiyama A, Ohtani S, Suzuki Y, Wada K, Kunugita N, Ohkubo C. Effects of 21-kHz intermediate frequency magnetic fields on blood properties and immune systems of juvenile rats. Int J Radiat Biol 2014; 90:1211-7. [DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2014.930538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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5
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Effect of an intermediate-frequency magnetic field of 23 kHz at 2 mT on chemotaxis and phagocytosis in neutrophil-like differentiated human HL-60 cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:9649-59. [PMID: 25233011 PMCID: PMC4199041 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110909649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Public concerns about potential health risks of intermediate-frequency (IF) electromagnetic fields are increasing, especially as the use of induction-heating cooktops has spread extensively in Japan and Europe. In order to investigate the properties of IF electromagnetic fields, we examined the effect of exposure to a 23-kHz IF magnetic field of 2 mT for 2, 3, or 4 h on neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis using differentiated human HL-60 cells. Compared with sham exposure, exposure to the IF magnetic field had no effect on neutrophil chemotaxis or phagocytosis. Previous studies demonstrated that exposure to a 23-kHz IF magnetic field of 2 mT (about 74-times the maximum value recommended by the International Commission for Nonionizing Radiation Protection guidelines) may affect the first-line immune responses in humans. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effects of IF magnetic fields on cellular immune responses. We found that exposure to an IF magnetic field of 2 mT has minimal if any effect on either the chemotaxis or phagocytic activity of neutrophil-like human HL-60 cells.
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Sakurai T, Narita E, Shinohara N, Miyakoshi J. Alteration of gene expression by exposure to a magnetic field at 23 kHz is not detected in astroglia cells. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2013; 54:1005-1009. [PMID: 23722077 PMCID: PMC3823784 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrt063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of induction heating (IH) cooktops has roused public concern in Japan and Europe regarding potential health effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to a magnetic field at 23 kHz (which is the maximum output power frequency of most IH cooktops) on gene expression in a human-fetus-derived astroglia cell line, SVGp12. The cells were exposed to the magnetic field at 2 mTrms [which is approximately 74 times higher than the reference level in the most recent International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines], for 2, 4 and 6 h, using a previously reported exposure system. Gene expression was evaluated using an Agilent cDNA microarray. We did not detect any significant effects of the magnetic field on the gene expression profile. On the contrary, heat treatment at 43°C for 2 h used as a positive control significantly affected gene expression, including inducing heat shock proteins, which indicated that our protocol for microarray analysis was appropriate. From these results, we conclude that exposure of human-fetus-derived astroglia cells to an intermediate-frequency magnetic field at 23 kHz and 2 mTrms for up to 6 h does not induce detectable alteration of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Junji Miyakoshi
- Corresponding author. Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan. Tel/Fax: +81-774-38-3872; Email;
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Absence of reproductive and developmental toxicity in rats following exposure to a 20-kHz or 60-kHz magnetic field. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2012; 64:394-401. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Sakurai T, Narita E, Shinohara N, Miyakoshi J. Intermediate frequency magnetic field at 23 kHz does not modify gene expression in human fetus-derived astroglia cells. Bioelectromagnetics 2012; 33:662-9. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.21734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Nishimura I, Oshima A, Shibuya K, Negishi T. Lack of teratological effects in rats exposed to 20 or 60 kHz magnetic fields. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART B, DEVELOPMENTAL AND REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY 2011; 92:469-77. [PMID: 21770026 PMCID: PMC3264702 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2011] [Accepted: 05/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A risk assessment of magnetic field (MF) exposure conducted by the World Health Organization indicated the need for biological studies on primary hazard identification and quantitative risk evaluation of intermediate frequency (300 Hz-100 kHz) MFs. Because induction heating cookers generate such MFs for cooking, reproductive and developmental effects are a concern due to the close proximity of the fields' source to a cook's abdomen. METHODS Pregnant Crl:CD(SD) rats (25/group) were exposed to a 20 kHz, 0.2 mT(rms) or 60 kHz, 0.1 mT(rms) sinusoidal MF or sham-exposed for 22 hr/day during organogenesis, and their fetuses were examined for malformations on gestation day 20. All teratological evaluations were conducted in a blind fashion, and experiments were duplicated for each frequency to confirm consistency of experimental outcomes. RESULTS No exposure-related changes were found in clinical signs, gross pathology, or number of implantation losses. The number of live fetuses and low-body-weight fetuses as well as the incidence of external, visceral, and skeletal malformations in the fetuses did not indicate significant differences between MF-exposed and sham-exposed groups. Although some fetuses showed isolated changes in sex ratio and skeletal variation and ossification, such changes were neither reproduced in duplicate experiments nor were they common to specific field frequencies. CONCLUSIONS Exposure of rats to MFs during organogenesis did not show significant reproducible teratogenicity under experimental conditions. Present findings do not support the hypothesis that intermediate frequency MF exposure after implantation carries a significant risk for developing mammalian fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Nishimura
- Environmental Science Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Chiba, Japan.
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10
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Sakurai T, Kiyokawa T, Kikuchi K, Miyakoshi J. Intermediate frequency magnetic fields generated by an induction heating (IH) cooktop do not affect genotoxicities and expression of heat shock proteins. Int J Radiat Biol 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/09553000903184358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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11
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Heikkinen P, Kumlin T, Laitinen JT, Komulainen H, Juutilainen J. Chronic Exposure to 50-HZ Magnetic fields or 900-MHz Electromagnetic fields Does not alter Nocturnal 6-Hydroxymelatonin Sulfate Secretion in CBNS Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.3109/15368379909012898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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12
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Yao K, Yu Y, Wang K, Ye J, Lu D, Jiang H. Absence of effect of power–frequency magnetic fields exposure on mouse embryonic lens development. Bioelectromagnetics 2007; 28:628-35. [PMID: 17722106 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
There are no reports in the literature investigating the biological effect of power-frequency (50/60 Hz) magnetic fields on embryonic lens development. We investigated whether power-frequency magnetic fields act as an environmental insult and induce changes in morphology or protein and/or transcription factor mRNA expression levels in developing mouse embryonic lenses. Three groups of pregnant mice were exposed to magnetic fields (50 Hz) of varying intensities (0.0, 1.5, and 4.5 mT) for 3 h per day from gestation day (GD) 0 to 18. The embryonic lenses were enucleated on GD 18. The lenses in the three groups were found to be transparent and the lens epithelial cells from the experimental groups exhibited normal ultrastructure comparable to the control. No significant differences were found among the three groups in quantity of water soluble protein (WSP), water insoluble protein (WIP), the ratio of WIP to total protein, and the mRNA expression levels of four well known developmentally regulated DNA-binding transcription factors: Pax6, Prox1, Sox1, and c-maf. We preserved one pregnant mouse per group, fed the neonatal mice until 2 weeks of age, and then found the lenses transparent. Our results did not detect any effects on the development of embryonic lenses in mice exposed to power-frequency magnetic fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yao
- Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Miyakoshi J, Horiuchi E, Nakahara T, Sakurai T. Magnetic fields generated by an induction heating (IH) cook top do not cause genotoxicity in vitro. Bioelectromagnetics 2007; 28:529-37. [PMID: 17492656 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The use of induction heater (IH) cook tops in homes has become widespread, especially in Japan, but there are concerns about the safety of intermediate frequency (IF) electromagnetic fields associated with these cooking appliances. Since the cellular genotoxicity of IF magnetic fields has not been examined in cultured cells, we examined the effects of these fields at a magnetic flux density of 532 +/- 20 microT at 23 kHz, using an exposure unit with a built-in CO2 incubator. Exposure to the IF magnetic field at 532 microT for 2 h did not affect the growth of CHO-K1 cells and caused no mutagenic effects in bacterial mutation assays. Exposure to the IF magnetic field for 2 h induced neither single nor double DNA strand breaks in comet assays, and caused no significant change in the mutation frequency at the HPRT locus compared to sham exposure. The magnetic field used in this study is more than 80 times higher than the level recommended as safe in the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. From these results, we suggest that exposure to an IF magnetic field for 2 h does not cause cellular genotoxicity in bacteria and in Chinese hamster cells. However, the possibility of effects on other cellular functions remains, and further studies on the cellular effects of IF magnetic fields are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Miyakoshi
- Department of Radiological Technology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan.
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Oral B, Guney M, Ozguner F, Karahan N, Mungan T, Comlekci S, Cesur G. Endometrial apoptosis induced by a 900-MHz mobile phone: preventive effects of vitamins E and C. Adv Ther 2006; 23:957-73. [PMID: 17276964 DOI: 10.1007/bf02850217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Numerous reports have described the effects induced by an electromagnetic field (EMF) in various cellular systems. The purposes of this study were to examine oxidative stress that promotes production of reactive oxygen species induced by a 900-megahertz (MHz) mobile phone and the possible ameliorating effects of vitamins E and C on endometrial tissue against EMF-induced endometrial impairment and apoptosis in rats. Animals were randomly grouped as follows: (1) sham-operated control group (n=8), (2) 900 MHz EMF-exposed group (n=8; 30 min/d for 30 d), and (3) 900 MHz EMF-exposed group, treated with vitamins E and C (n=8; 50 mg/kg intramuscularly and 20 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally before daily EMF exposure). Malondialdehyde (an index of lipid peroxidation) was used as a marker of oxidative stress-induced endometrial impairment; Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-8 were assessed immunohistochemically. In this study, increased malondialdehyde levels in endometrial tissue and apoptosis illustrated the role of the oxidative mechanism induced by exposure to a 900-MHz mobile phone-like device and vitamins E and C; via free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, oxidative tissue injury and apoptosis were ameliorated in rat endometrium. In conclusion, exposure to 900-MHz radiation emitted by mobile phones may cause endometrial apoptosis and oxidative stress, but treatment with vitamins E and C can diminish these changes and may have a beneficial effect in preventing endometrial changes in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baha Oral
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
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15
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Henderson B, Kind M, Boeck G, Helmberg A, Wick G. Gene expression profiling of human endothelial cells exposed to 50-Hz magnetic fields fails to produce regulated candidate genes. Cell Stress Chaperones 2006; 11:227-32. [PMID: 17009595 PMCID: PMC1576470 DOI: 10.1379/csc-196.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To address the question of a possible effect of magnetic fields (MF) at 50 Hz on living systems, gene expression analyses were performed on human primary vascular endothelial cells exposed to MF of various intensities compared to control cells. Exposure protocols included continuous exposure at a single intensity (10 and 700 microT), intermittent exposure at a single intensity (700 microT), and continuous exposure to a variable-intensity field (10-30 microT). The transcriptional response of the cells was investigated using oligonucleotide microarrays containing up to 30 000 unique features. Although in individual experiments genes were identified where the expression appeared to be affected by exposure to MF, none of these genes were regulated in the same manner in subsequent repetition experiments. This is the first report of a transcriptome-wide analysis of the effects of MF exposure on human cells. The lack of a reproducible effect of MF on the expression of any genes in our investigation adds further weight to the evidence that 50-Hz MF are not capable of interacting with biological systems and thus do not represent an endothelial stress factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair Henderson
- Biocenter, Division of Experimental Pathophysiology and Immunology, Innsbruck Medical University, Fritz-Pregl Strasse 3/IV, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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17
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Henderson BR, Pfister G, Boeck G, Kind M, Wick G. Expression levels of heat shock protein 60 in human endothelial cells in vitro are unaffected by exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields. Cell Stress Chaperones 2004; 8:172-82. [PMID: 14627203 PMCID: PMC514869 DOI: 10.1379/1466-1268(2003)008<0172:elohsp>2.0.co;2] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic fields (MFs) from domestic power sources have been implicated as being a potential risk to human health. A number of epidemiological studies have found a significant link between exposure to MFs and increased rates of cancers. There have also been a number of in vivo and in vitro studies reporting effects of MFs in animal disease models and on the expression or activity of a range of proteins. In the past decade, our group proposed that atherosclerosis may have an autoimmune component, with heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) expressed in endothelial cells as the dominant autoantigen. A number of stressors have been shown to induce the expression of Hsp60, including the classical risk factors for atherosclerosis. We were interested to see if the exposure of endothelial cells to an MF elicited increased expression of Hsp60, as has been reported previously for Hsp70. The present work describes the exposure of endothelial cells to domestic power supply (50 Hz) MFs at an intensity of 700 microT. The results from our system indicate that cultured endothelial cells exposed to a high intensity of MF either alone or in combination with classical heat stress show no effects on the expression of Hsp60 at either the messenger ribonucleic acid or the protein level. As such, there is no evidence that exposure to extremely low-frequency MF would be expected to increase the expression of Hsp60 and therefore the initiation or progression of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Henderson
- Institute of Biomedical Aging Research, Austrian Academy of Science, Rennweg 10, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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18
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McKay BE, St-Pierre LS, Persinger MA. Radial maze proficiency of adult Wistar rats given prenatal complex magnetic field treatments. Dev Psychobiol 2003; 42:1-8. [PMID: 12471631 DOI: 10.1002/dev.10072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to sinusoidal (power-frequency) magnetic fields during prenatal development is implicated in adulthood behavioral impairments. However, the effects of prenatal exposure to weak-intensity, nonsinusoidal complex magnetic fields (CMFs), an increasingly common feature of the modern environment, have not been rigorously examined. In the present study, male and female Wistar-strain rats were exposed continually during prenatal development to one of three extremely low-frequency CMFs or a sham condition. As adults, rats were trained in an acquisition/reversal radial maze task. All rats exposed to the prenatal CMFs increased their commission of reference memory errors, but differences in working memory and motivation to complete the maze task were specific to the type of prenatal CMF. These results provide the first evidence that prenatal exposures to specific shapes of CMFs impair complex learning behaviors into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E McKay
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, P3E 2C6
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Ohnishi Y, Mizuno F, Sato T, Yasui M, Kikuchi T, Ogawa M. Effects of power frequency alternating magnetic fields on reproduction and pre-natal development of mice. J Toxicol Sci 2002; 27:131-8. [PMID: 12238137 DOI: 10.2131/jts.27.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Three groups of ICR male and female mice were exposed to 50-Hz, sinusoidal, alternating, horizontal magnetic fields of 0.0 mT (sham), 0.5 mT and 5.0 mT (rms) for 9 and 2 weeks prior to mating for males and females, respectively, through fertilization and until cesarean sectioning. Fetuses were collected by cesarean section on the 18th day of gestation. Approximately half were randomly selected for skeletal examination and the remainder used for visceral examination. No significant differences were found between the field- and the sham-exposed groups in pre-, post- and total implantation losses; number of live fetuses; sex ratio; live fetal weight; number of externally abnormal fetuses; and numbers of fetuses with skeletal and visceral anomalies. These results suggest that exposure to power-frequency magnetic fields has no major effects on reproduction and development in mice, and do not support the association of EMF exposure with adverse reproductive effects suggested by epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Ohnishi
- Mitsubishi Chemical Safety Institute, 14 Sunayama, Hasaki-machi, Kashima-gun, Ibaraki 314-0255, Japan
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Elbetieha A, AL-Akhras MA, Darmani H. Long-term exposure of male and female mice to 50 Hz magnetic field: effects on fertility. Bioelectromagnetics 2002; 23:168-72. [PMID: 11835263 DOI: 10.1002/bem.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The effect of an extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field on the fertility of adult male and female Swiss mice was investigated. Adult male and female mice were exposed to a 50 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field at approximately 25 microT (rms) for 90 days before they were mated with unexposed counterparts. There were no exposure related effects on the fertility of male or female mice. The number of implantation sites, viable fetuses, and the total number of resorptions were not significantly affected in females impregnated by males exposed to the 50 Hz magnetic field as compared with the control group. The number of implantation sites, viable fetuses and the total number of resorptions in exposed females were also not statistically different from the control group. There were no significant effects on the weights of the testes, seminal vesicles, preputial gland or body weights of males exposed to 50 Hz magnetic field. Furthermore, body and uterine weights were not affected in females exposed to 50 Hz field; however, ovarian weight was significantly increased in females exposed to the same field. These results suggest that exposure of male and female mice to low frequency magnetic field had no adverse effects on fertility and reproduction in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Elbetieha
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan.
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Al-Akhras MA, Elbetieha A, Hasan MK, Al-Omari I, Darmani H, Albiss B. Effects of extremely low frequency magnetic field on fertility of adult male and female rats. Bioelectromagnetics 2001; 22:340-4. [PMID: 11424157 DOI: 10.1002/bem.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the effects of an extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic field on their fertility, adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a 50 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field of approximately 25 microT (rms) for 90 days before they were mated with unexposed counterparts. Exposure to a 50 Hz field reduced male rat fertility. The number of pregnant females was reduced when mated with exposed males, and the number of resorptions increased. The effects of magnetic field on male fertility were shown to be partly reversible, when the same exposed group of males were remated 45 and 90 days after being removed from the fields. Exposure of adult female rats to 50 Hz magnetic fields for 90 days before mating significantly reduced their fertility. The mean numbers of implantations and living fetuses per litter were statistically significantly decreased in the 50 Hz group. These results suggest that low frequency magnetic fields have some adverse effects on fertility of male and female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Al-Akhras
- Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
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22
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Huuskonen H, Juutilainen J, Komulainen H. Development of preimplantation mouse embryos after exposure to a 50 Hz magnetic field in vitro. Toxicol Lett 2001; 122:149-55. [PMID: 11439221 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4274(01)00362-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Effect of sinusoidal 50 Hz magnetic field (MF) on development of preimplantation CBA/S mouse embryos in vitro was studied. Superovulated and in vivo fertilized preimplantation embryos were collected at one cell stage and divided to control and MF-exposed groups. Sinusoidal 50 Hz MF with field strength of 10 A/m r.m.s., corresponding a flux density of 13 microT r.m.s., was used to expose the embryos in culture at 37 degrees C in a CO2-incubator. The developmental stage and abnormalities were recorded twice daily except once daily during weekends. The vitality and developmental stages of the embryos were similar in both groups although slightly more dead embryos were found during the 1st day in MF-exposed group (P<0.05) and the development of MF-exposed embryos was slightly impaired. In conclusion, the exposure to sinusoidal 50 Hz MF at field strength of 10 A/m did not significantly disturb the development of the mouse embryos in vitro up to the blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Huuskonen
- National Public Health Institute, Department of Environmental Health, Laboratory of Toxicology, P.O. Box 95, FIN-70701, Kuopio, Finland.
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Shaw GM. Adverse human reproductive outcomes and electromagnetic fields: A brief summary of the epidemiologic literature. Bioelectromagnetics 2001. [DOI: 10.1002/1521-186x(2001)22:5+<::aid-bem1020>3.0.co;2-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Magin RL, Lee JK, Klintsova A, Carnes KI, Dunn F. Biological Effects of Long-Duration, High-Field (4 T) MRI on Growth and Development in the Mouse. J Magn Reson Imaging 2000. [DOI: 10.1002/1522-2586(200007)12:1%3c140::aid-jmri15%3e3.0.co;2-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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Magin RL, Lee JK, Klintsova A, Carnes KI, Dunn F. Biological effects of long-duration, high-field (4 T) MRI on growth and development in the mouse. J Magn Reson Imaging 2000; 12:140-9. [PMID: 10931573 DOI: 10.1002/1522-2586(200007)12:1<140::aid-jmri15>3.0.co;2-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of long-duration, high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on fetal growth and postnatal development in mice were studied. Seven experimental groups of pregnant ICR mice were exposed for 9 hours on day 9 and/or day 12 post coitus (pc) to magnetic fields (4 T static, 5 T/sec switched gradient, and 0.2 W/kg radiofrequency at 170 MHz) associated with MRI conditions. Two experimental groups (sham and exposure groups) were exposed to a combination of ultrasound (day 9 pc, 3.25 MHz, focused) and MRI-associated fields (day 12 pc). No statistically significant changes in fetal growth were observed in the animals exposed to only MRI or ultrasound fields. However, in the combined ultrasound and MRI-exposed group, the fetal weight and crown-rump length were reduced compared with the sham and cage controls. These results suggest that MRI and ultrasound exposure well in excess of current clinical conditions can exert biological effects if applied at sensitive stages of fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Magin
- Magnetic Resonance Engineering Laboratory, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801, USA.
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Repacholi MH, Greenebaum B. Interaction of static and extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields with living systems: health effects and research needs. Bioelectromagnetics 2000; 20:133-60. [PMID: 10194557 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1521-186x(1999)20:3<133::aid-bem1>3.0.co;2-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
An international seminar was held June 4-6, 1997, on the biological effects and related health hazards of ambient or environmental static and extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields (0-300 Hz). It was cosponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the German, Japanese, and Swiss governments. Speakers provided overviews of the scientific literature that were discussed by participants of the meeting. Subsequently, expert working groups formulated this report, which evaluates possible health effects from exposure to static and ELF electric and magnetic fields and identifies gaps in knowledge requiring more research to improve health risk assessments. The working groups concluded that, although health hazards exist from exposure to ELF fields at high field strengths, the literature does not establish that health hazards are associated with exposure to low-level fields, including environmental levels. Similarly, exposure to static electric fields at levels currently found in the living and working environment or acute exposure to static magnetic fields at flux densities below 2 T, were not found to have demonstrated adverse health consequences. However, reports of biological effects from low-level ELF-field exposure and chronic exposure to static magnetic fields were identified that need replication and further study for WHO to assess any possible health consequences. Ambient static electric fields have not been reported to cause any direct adverse health effects, and so no further research in this area was deemed necessary.
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Di Carlo AL, Litovitz TA. Is genetics the unrecognized confounding factor in bioelectromagnetics? Flock-dependence of field-induced anoxia protection in chick embryos. BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY AND BIOENERGETICS (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 1999; 48:209-15. [PMID: 10228589 DOI: 10.1016/s0302-4598(98)00213-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Work in bioelectromagnetics has long been plagued by problems with replication. This includes experiments done on electromagnetic (EM) field-induced effects in chick embryos. Our laboratory investigated responses of embryos from two flocks of White Leghorn hens. Both flocks were studied simultaneously, and it was found that they responded differently to EM field exposures. Embryos were exposed to 60 Hz, 8 microT EM fields prior to placement in an anoxic chamber. Following re-oxygenation, survival in controls was 34.6%, exposed flock 1 survival was 62% (P < 0.0001) and exposed flock 2 survival was 43% (P < 0.0136). P values are from comparison of data between EM field exposed embryos (flocks 1 and 2) versus controls. In order to induce maximum protection in flock 2, (approximately 62% survival), embryos required a longer exposure time at higher magnetic field strengths. These results reinforce the concepts that genetics are important in determining whether or not chick embryos will respond to EM field stimulation. A broader look at the role of genetic factors emphasizes that these variations in response to external stimuli (e.g., drugs, radiation, and EM fields) are found in all areas of biological research (cell culture, chick, rat, and human studies). The present study suggests that genetics may be a prime cause of the difficulties encountered in replication studies in the field of bioelectromagnetics. We conclude that replication studies should not be undertaken unless care is taken to insure that exactly the same strains of cells or animals are used. Researchers should also first confirm that the responses of their model to non-EM field stimuli are similar to that obtained in the original study.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Di Carlo
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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Huuskonen H, Juutilainen J, Julkunen A, Mäki-Paakkanen J, Komulainen H. Effects of gestational exposure to a video display terminal-like magnetic field (20-kHz) on CBA/S mice. TERATOLOGY 1998; 58:190-6. [PMID: 9839357 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9926(199811)58:5<190::aid-tera5>3.0.co;2-i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Possible adverse effects of magnetic fields (MFs) on reproduction have been an open question. To verify the embryo-lethal effect of pulsed MF of the type emitted by video display terminals (VDTs) reported previously in CBA/S mice, a developmental toxicity study was conducted in animals of the same origin. Mated CBA/S mice (80-86 pregnant animals per group) were exposed to a 20-kHz MF with sawtooth waveform continuously from gestational day 0-18. The flux density of the vertical MF was 15 microT peak-to-peak (150 mG). This field was previously reported to increase the number of resorptions in CBA/S mice. On gestational day 18, the dams were killed and blood and bone marrow samples were taken for hematology and micronuclei analysis, respectively. The number of corpora lutea was counted and the content of the uterus examined. There were no statistically significant differences in maternal or fetal body weights, number of corpora lutea, implantations, resorptions, dead and live fetuses, or external and skeletal malformations. MF did not alter the number of blood cells or cause micronuclei in bone marrow erythrocytes in the dams. The mean number of resorptions was slightly but not statistically significantly, higher in the MF group than in controls. The results do not indicate marked developmental, hematological, or clastogenic effects of 20-kHz MFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Huuskonen
- Laboratory of Toxicology, National Public Health Institute, Kuopio, Finland.
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Huuskonen H, Lindbohm ML, Juutilainen J. Teratogenic and reproductive effects of low-frequency magnetic fields. Mutat Res 1998; 410:167-83. [PMID: 9637235 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5742(97)00038-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H Huuskonen
- National Public Health Institute, Division of Environmental Health, Kuopio, Finland
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Huuskonen H, Juutilainen J, Julkunen A, Mäki-Paakkanen J, Komulainen H. Effects of low-frequency magnetic fields on fetal development in CBA/Ca mice. Bioelectromagnetics 1998. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1521-186x(1998)19:8<477::aid-bem5>3.0.co;2-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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31
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Juutilainen J, Lang S. Genotoxic, carcinogenic and teratogenic effects of electromagnetic fields. Introduction and overview. Mutat Res 1997; 387:165-71. [PMID: 9439712 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5742(97)00036-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Juutilainen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kuopio, Finland
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