Exposure of small laboratory animals to powerfrequency high-voltage electric fields was reported to have endocrinological effects, including changes in pineal melatonin levels. It has been assumed that these results are directly attributable to electric-field effects, but this article suggests that air ionization, produced by corona activity at the animals' body surfaces, may have been biologically active and could be relevant to the interpretation of some epidemiological and other studies. Although presently a matter of dispute, there is evidence that atmospheric ionization may be biologically active and could provide an alternative explanation for at least some apparent electromagnetic field interactions with biological subjects. Consideration of the electricity utilization environment as a whole, rather than one selected component, could allow the introduction of lower-cost, precautionary and putative hazard remediation measures.
BackgroundPrevious work on the possible public health impact of electricity utilization has mostly considered low frequency electromagnetic fields, particularly those associated with high voltage overhead powerlines, but no generally accepted biological mechanism has been proposed. The present study seeks to expand the area of debate to include airborne electroactivity.FindingsFrom a literature survey it is concluded that there is statistically significant published evidence consistent with the involvement of airborne electroactive agents in the powerline proximity modulation of some cytokine activity. Attention is drawn to overhead line fault associated corona discharge action as a source of potentially bioactive agents deserving careful study in view of the widespread close residential proximity to overhead power distribution lines in many countries. Particular attention is given to the role of electricity access associated faults as a possible explanation for the high childhood leukaemia rates in certain districts of Mexico City.ConclusionsDespite more than 30 years research worldwide there is no generally accepted biological mechanism to explain the adverse health impact of overhead powerline residential proximity. Expanding the area of consideration to include airborne electroactivity may provide the basis for a plausible outline model of such a mechanism. More attention should be given to this research area.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2193-1801-2-454) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Germination of "Grand Rapids" lettuce seed can be influenced by a 2-minute exposure to artificial electrostatic fields of 75 V cm(-I). To a limited extent, electrostatic treatment can substitute for red light by raising the dark germination level. Significant increases in germination, averaging up to 10%, were also observed following electrostatic treatment during, or after, short periods of red irradiation. In contrast, pre-irradiation treatment repressed germination slightly but significantly. An interaction with the phytochrome system is implied by the lack of any significant electrostatic influence after longer periods of red irradiation.
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