Reproductive and teratologic effects of electromagnetic fields

This paper reviews experimental studies on the effects of radiofrequency (RF), extremely low frequency (ELF), and intermediate frequency (IF) electromagnetic fields on animal development. Numerous studies have shown that RF fields are teratogenic at exposure levels sufficiently high to cause significant increase of temperature. There is no consistent evidence of RF field effects at nonthermal exposure levels. Only a few studies have evaluated possible effects on postnatal development using sensitive endpoints, such as behavioral effects. ELF electric fields up to 150 kV/m have been evaluated in several mammalian species. The results are rather consistent and do not suggest adverse developmental effects. The results of studies on ELF magnetic fields suggest effects on bird embryo development, but not consistently in all studies. Results from experiments with other non-mammalian experimental models have also suggested subtle effects on developmental stability. In mammals, most studies have shown no effects of prenatal exposure to ELF or IF magnetic on gross external, visceral, or skeletal malformations. The only finding that shows some consistency is increase of minor skeleton alterations in several experiments. Taken as a whole, the results do not show robust adverse effects of ELF and IF fields on development. However, additional studies on the suggested subtle effects on developmental stability might increase our understanding of the sensitivity of biological organisms to weak low-frequency magnetic fields.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developmental effects of electromagnetic fields

Juutilainen

2005

“…The results of previous epidemiological studies suggest a possible relationship between IF and adverse pregnancy outcomes [Lindbohm et al, 1992;Juutilainen et al, 1993]. Previous results from laboratory animal studies suggest that IF disturbed the development of animal embryos [Berman et al, 1990;Farrell et al, 1997;Youbicier-Simo et al, 1997]; however, the results have been inconsistent [Juutilainen, 1991;Chernoff et al, 1992;Brent et al, 1993;Huuskonen et al, 1998a] and most studies conducted in mammals reported no or only slight effects on fetus [Tribukait et al, 1987;Stuchly et al, the fetal development of pregnant mice, regardless of gestational age. Consequently, for our current study, we increased the peak intensity of 20 kHz EMF to 30 mT, which is the limit standard for occupational population at 20 kHz in Korea [Yoo, 2002;Kim et al, 2004].…”

mentioning

confidence: 95%

Teratological evaluation of mouse fetuses exposed to a 20 kHz EMF

Lee

Pack

Gimm

et al. 2009

As a continuation of our previous study, we performed a teratological evaluation of the importance of gestational age with regards to the exposure of 20 kHz intermediate frequency magnetic field (IF) on pregnant ICR mice. The pregnant mice were exposed to a 20 kHz IF magnetic field for 8 h/day in a carousel irradiator at 30 microT which is the limit standard for occupational population in Korea. The animals were sacrificed on the 18th day of gestation and the fetuses were examined for mortality, growth retardation, changes in head size and other morphological abnormalities. We concluded that exposure to 30 microT with 20 kHz IF did not cause any observable adverse effects on mouse fetuses.

“…Because these cellular processes contribute to normal cell behavior and interactions, magnetic ®elds have the potential of disrupting development. And yet two recent reviews concluded that developmental disturbances caused by magnetic ®elds are insignificant [Brent et al, 1993;Huuskonen et al, 1998]. Nevertheless, few studies have explicitly examined the developmental stability of organisms exposed to magnetic ®elds.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Growth and developmental stability ofDrosophila melanogaster in low frequency magnetic fields

Graham

Fletcher

Tigue

et al. 2000

Magnetic fields (60 Hz) of 1.5 and 80 microT caused a significant reduction in the weight of Drosophila melanogaster. Moreover, fruit flies in an 80 microT field showed lower developmental stability than either those in a 0 or 1.5 microT field. Developmental instability was measured by fluctuating asymmetry and frequency of phenodeviants. More of the flies in the 80 microT field had fused abdominal segments, and they were more asymmetrical for wing vein R(4+5). The flies in the 1.5 microT field actually showed greater developmental stability than the control flies. Fewer of them had fused abdominal segments, and they were more symmetrical for wing vein R(4+5). Thus, at low field strengths, flies are more developmentally stable than control flies, even though they weigh less.