The abstracts for the most recent papers appear below.
The MOBI-Kids case-control study on wireless phone use and brain tumor risk in childhood and adolescence included the age group 10–24 years diagnosed between 2010 and 2015. Overall no increased risk was found although for brain tumors in the temporal region an increased risk was found in the age groups 10–14 and 20–24 years. Most odds ratios (ORs) in MOBI-Kids were <1.0, some statistically significant, suggestive of a preventive effect from RF radiation; however, this is in contrast to current knowledge about radiofrequency (RF) carcinogenesis. The MOBI-Kids results are not biologically plausible and indicate that the study was flawed due to methodological problems. For example, not all brain tumor cases were included since central localization was excluded. Instead, all brain tumor cases should have been included regardless of histopathology and anatomical localization. Only surgical controls with appendicitis were used instead of population-based controls from the same geographical area as for the cases. In fact, increased incidence of appendicitis has been postulated to be associated with RF radiation which makes selection of control group in MOBI-Kids questionable. Start of wireless phone use up to 10 years before diagnosis was in some analyses included in the unexposed group. Thus, any important results demonstrating late carcinogenesis, a promoter effect, have been omitted from analysis and may underestimate true risks. Linear trend was in some analyses statistically significant in the calculation of RF-specific energy and extremely low frequency (ELF)-induced current in the center of gravity of the tumor. Additional case-case analysis should have been performed. The data from this study should be reanalyzed using unconditional regression analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors to increase statistical power. Then all responding cases and controls could be included in the analyses. In sum, we believe the results as reported in this paper seem uninterpretable and should be dismissed.
- In our opinion, the results as reported in the MOBI-Kids paper seem uninterpretable and should be dismissed.
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All brain tumor cases should have been included regardless of histopathology and anatomical localization.
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Only surgical controls with suspected appendicitis were used. Yet, increased incidence of appendicitis has been postulated to be associated with RF radiation.
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Start of wireless phone use up to 10 years before diagnosis was in some analyses included in the unexposed group. This would bias the ORs towards unity.
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The results indicate an increased risk for tumors in the temporal brain region in spite of methodological issues based on low numbers in several categories.
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Linear trend was in some analyses statistically significant in the calculation of RF-specific energy and ELF-induced current in the center of gravity of the tumor. Additional case-case analysis should have been performed.
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The data from this study should be reanalyzed using unconditional regression analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors to increase the statistical power.
Finally, it is unfortunate that after such a major investment of resources that little can be learned at this time from the MOBI-Kids study about the risk of brain tumors from wireless phone use in young people. Since the study addresses an issue critical to public health and the majority of the funding was from the European Commission, the MOBI-Kids data set should be publicly archived making it available to the scientific community to enable the data to be re-analyzed using different assumptions and methods.
Ganesh Chandra Jagetia. Genotoxic effects of electromagnetic field radiations from mobile phones. Environmental Research. 2022. 113321. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113321.
The electromagnetic radiations especially in the radiofrequency range are long wavelength radiation and they have a wide application in wireless communication. Human exposure to EMF-RF-ELF is from electrical transmission lines, mobile signal transmission towers, mobile phones, microwaves and various electronic gadgets which are in daily use. A phenomenal rise in the subscription of mobile phones which continues unabated has drastically increased the exposure to EMF-RF-ELF of children and adults equally. Various agencies worldwide have also raised concern about the ill effects of these radiations. Investigations reporting that EMF-RF-ELF exposures are are genotoxic outnumber the reports that the EMF-RF-ELF exposure are not harmful to the human population, Various preclinical models report the genotoxic effect of EMF-RF-ELF in the form of chromosome condensation, various types of chromosome aberrations, micronuclei formation, sister chromatid exchanges, DNA base damages, DNA adduct formation, DNA SSBs and DNA DSBs. The EMF-RF-ELF triggered the formation of ROS, which seem to be responsible for all the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of EMF-RF-ELF. EMF-RF-ELF also reduces antioxidant status by alleviating GSH, catalase, SOD, GST, GPx and increasing lipid peroxidation. At the molecular level EMF-RF-ELF stimulates the activation NF-κB, TNF-α, HSP 70, p53, Chk-2, p38, LC3-II, pAMPK, PARP, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, DNA-PKcs, RAD9B, BM11, cytochrome c release and cleaved caspase-3 and subsequently downmodulates p21, p62, p-mTOR, GADD45α, XRCC1, XRCC4, Ku80 (XRCC5), Ku70 (XRCC6), and LIG4, caspase3 and Bcl2 which are involved in numerous cellular processes. The repeated EMF-RF-ELF exposures exert a negative effect on human health and cause mutagenesis and cancer in humans. It will be prudent to follow ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle to minimize the adverse effect on humans.
Analysis of ICNIRP 2020 Basic Restrictions for Localized Radiofrequency Exposure in the Frequency Range Above 6 GHz
Eric Lemay, Gregory B Gajda, Gregory W McGarr, Mykola Zhuk, Jonathan Paradis. Analysis of ICNIRP 2020 Basic Restrictions for Localized Radiofrequency Exposure in the Frequency Range Above 6 GHz. Health Phys. 2022 May 21. doi: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001581.
Abstract
ICNIRP 2020 guidelines have defined a practical temperature elevation threshold for human health effects, namely the operational adverse health effect threshold that forms the basis of the absorbed power and energy density basic restrictions. These basic restrictions for localized exposures at frequencies above 6 GHz were evaluated by comparing numerically computed temperature rise against the target temperature rise of 2.5 oC, which is the operational adverse health effect threshold divided by the occupational safety factor of 2. The numerical model employs the maximum absorbed power and energy density levels allowed by the occupational basic restriction for both pulsed and continuous wave exposures. These analyses were performed considering 3- and 4-tissue layer models and a variety of beam diameters, frequencies, and exposure durations. The smallest beam diameters were based on a study of theoretically achievable beam widths from half-wave resonant dipoles and show the impact of the averaging area on the computed temperature elevation. The results demonstrated that ICNIRP's assumed occupational safety factors in the frequency range above 6 GHz were not sufficiently maintained for all exposure scenarios and particularly for short pulse exposures at frequencies of 30 GHz or higher with small beam diameters. Worst-case tissue temperature elevations were estimated to be as much as 3.6 times higher than ICNIRP's target temperature increases. Consequently, the authors suggest a small modification in the application of the ICNIRP 2020 localized basic restrictions, thereby limiting the worst-case tissue temperature increases to 1.4 times the target value.
Numerical computations of the SAR distribution and resulting temperature rise in models of superficial tissue at levels allowed by the ICNIRP (2020) BRs for frequencies above 6 GHz were carried out to investigate the safety factors from the assumed OAHET thermal thresholds inherent in the BRs.
The results showed that for a range of beam sizes, pulse durations, and carrier frequencies, the safety factors are reduced from their assumed values of 2 times below an OAHET temperature rise of 5 oC for the occupationally exposed. The lowest safety factors (the worst case was 0.56, resulting in a temperature rise of 1.8 times the OAHET) occurred for single pulses with the smallest assumed spot size of FWHM = 0.005 m (or an assumed unperturbed power density beam diameter of 0.0063 m) for short durations (td < 1 s) at 200 GHz.
Examinations of SAR distributions from half-wave resonant dipoles (Appendix) led to the decision to set a lower value of FWHM = 0.005 m for frequencies of 30 GHz and beyond. While it may be argued that current mobile applications may not deliver such small SAR distributions, there exists the theoretical possibility that even smaller spots sizes can be generated at the higher millimeter-wave frequencies covered in the ICNIRP (2020) guideline.
Safety factors for CW exposures (td > 360 s) were generally higher than for a single pulse, with the worst-case (a safety factor of 1.46 as opposed to the assumed value of 2) again occurring for the smallest spot size.
Despite the low worst-case safety factors and high resulting temperature rises, CEM43 calculations suggest that even minor damage to the skin is unlikely at the current BR levels in ICNIRP (2020). The small beam diameters at which the lowest safety factors occur would suggest that maintaining the beam on the skin for a length of time necessary to induce even minor damage would be practically impossible, especially given that under such conditions, exposed individuals would likely remove the affected tissue away from the RF heat source in response to the sensation of warmth and/or heat pain before tissue damage could occur.
Mitigation of the low safety factors that occurred for the smallest beam diameters can be accomplished by changing the 1 cm2 spatial averaging 0 cm2 (essentially the spatial peak of the beam). If this modification to the local BRs is applied, the associated maximum (worst-case) tissue temperature rise is ≈ 3.5 oC for exposures at the occupational BR (≈ 0.7 oC for general public BR). This modification to the BR rules is easy to implement and would allow use of the ICNIRP (2020) AED formulae and APD limits for localized exposures above 6 GHz to 300 GHz to remain unchanged.
Dominique Belpomme, Philippe Irigaray. Why electrohypersensitivity and related symptoms are caused by non-ionizing man-made electromagnetic fields: An overview and medical assessment. Environmental Research. Available online 7 May 2022, 113374. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113374.
• Electrohypersensitivity is caused by electromagnetic fields.
Much of the controversy over the cause of electrohypersensitivity (EHS) lies in the absence of recognized clinical and biological criteria for a widely accepted diagnosis. However, there are presently sufficient data for EHS to be acknowledged as a distinctly well-defined and objectively characterized neurologic pathological disorder. Because we have shown that 1) EHS is frequently associated with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) in EHS patients, and 2) that both individualized disorders share a common pathophysiological mechanism for symptom occurrence; it appears that EHS and MCS can be identified as a unique neurologic syndrome, regardless its causal origin. In this overview we distinguish the etiology of EHS itself from the environmental causes that trigger pathophysiological changes and clinical symptoms after EHS has occurred. Contrary to present scientifically unfounded claims, we indubitably refute the hypothesis of a nocebo effect to explain the genesis of EHS and its presentation. We as well refute the erroneous concept that EHS could be reduced to a vague and unproven “functional impairment”. To the contrary, we show here there are objective pathophysiological changes and health effects induced by electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure in EHS patients and most of all in healthy subjects, meaning that excessive non-thermal anthropogenic EMFs are strongly noxious for health. In this overview and medical assessment we focus on the effects of extremely low frequencies, wireless communications radio frequencies and microwaves EMF. We discuss how to better define and characterize EHS. Taken into consideration the WHO proposed causality criteria, we show that EHS is in fact causally associated with increased exposure to man-made EMF, and in some cases to marketed environmental chemicals. We therefore appeal to all governments and international health institutions, particularly the WHO, to urgently consider the growing EHS-associated pandemic plague, and to acknowledge EHS as a new real EMF causally-related pathology.
An idiographic approach to Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance attributed to Electromagnetic Fields (IEI-EMF) Part II. Ecological momentary assessment of three individuals with severe IEI-EMF
Zsuzsanna Dömötör, Gábor Ruzsa, György Thuróczy, Péter P Necz, Steven Nordin, Ferenc Köteles, Renáta Szemerszky. An idiographic approach to Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance attributed to Electromagnetic Fields (IEI-EMF) Part II. Ecological momentary assessment of three individuals with severe IEI-EMF. Heliyon. 2022 May 14;8(5):e09421. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09421.
IEI-EMF refers to a self-reported sensitivity characterized by attribution of non-specific physical symptoms to exposure to weak EMFs. The majority of empirical results do not support the existence of a causal relationship between EMF and IEI-EMF. However, this conclusion was drawn from environmental and experimental studies that are not without methodological limitations. In the current study, as part of a complex biopsychosocial approach, an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) protocol was applied for the investigation of the temporal relationship between actual radio frequency (RF) EMF exposure and IEI-EMF, at the individual level. Continuous measurement of autonomic variables by holter electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors and the ambient RF EMF by personal dosimeters, as well as repeated (8/day) paper-and-pencil assessments of momentary internal states (symptoms, mood, perceived EMF intensity) and situational factors was conducted for 21 days with the participation of three individuals with severe IEI-EMF. Temporal relationships were examined by time series analyses. For two participants, the results did not support the association between the suspected EMF frequency range(s) and symptom reports. Nevertheless, the results revealed a reverse association with respect to another frequency range (GSM900 downlink), which contradicts the IEI-EMF condition. Autonomic activation related findings were inconsistent. For the third participant, the claimed association was partly supported, both for symptom reports and autonomic reactions (UMTS downlink, total RF; RMS values). The findings of this study suggest that IEI-EMF does not have a unitary aetiology. For certain individuals, a biophysical background cannot be excluded, whereas no such underlying factor appears to be at work for others. EMA is a useful method for the investigation of the aetiology of IEI-EMF.
Abstract
Radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from wireless devices increases rapidly and the most sensitive groups are pregnant women and children. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the fidgety movements (FMs) and motor repertoires of the infants of pregnant women with different durations of mobile phone usage (DOMFU) in the prenatal period by performing a general movement assessment (GMA) using the Prechtl method. Infants suitable for the study were divided into 4 groups according to their mothers' duration of mobile phone usage during pregnancy, comprising those who did not talk on a mobile phone (Control Group, n: 31), those with mobile phone usage (MFU) of similar to 20 min a day (Group 1, n: 33), those with MFU of similar to 40 min a day (Group 2, n: 31), and those with MFU of similar to 2 h a day (Group 3, n: 28). The analysis showed that the abnormal fidgety (AF) and absent fidgety (F-), suboptimal motor optimality score (MOS) and reduced motor repertoire were statistically higher in Group 3 compared to the other groups. Normal posture and the quality of other movements were statistically higher in the Control, and Groups 1 and 2 compared to Group 3. According to the findings, infants of mothers with different DOMFU during pregnancy differed with regard to the quality of FMs, MOS, repertoire, posture and other movements. In conclusion, the findings suggested that there may be a relationship between prenatal RFR exposure and motor development in infants. More long-term studies are needed to determine whether these changes are temporary or permanent.
Microwave Emissions and the Problem of Modern Viral Diseases
S V Avakyan, L A Baranova. Microwave Emissions and the Problem of Modern Viral Diseases. Her Russ Acad Sci. 2022;92(2):177-187. doi: 10.1134/S1019331622020058.
Abstract
The effect of a permanent increase in microwave fluxes from the environment on the activation of viral pandemics is considered. This is not only the radiation of the earth’s ionosphere but also the anthropogenic electromagnetic background, caused by an avalanche-like increase in microwave pollution of the habitat during the operation of mobile cellular telephony, household computer equipment, and digitalization systems. The predicted interaction of natural and anthropogenic sources of microwaves sharply increases their negative impact on the ecological situation. Therefore, efforts are needed to reduce drastically the amount of time spent using mobile phones and surfing the Internet among at-risk populations, including secondary school students. This wish of the authors is consistent with the concerns expressed recently by both teachers and parents of students, as well as with the opinion of the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Russian Federation.
The proposed clarifications to the recommendations of experts on the protection of the population using electromagnetic shielding suggest the development of biophysical studies of the cumulative microwave impact both within heliobiology (at the present stage of the decline in the level of solar–geomagnetic activity) and taking into account the resonant mechanisms of increasing anthropogenic exposure at communication frequencies.
Excerpts
Although the required peak power densities are high, they are achievable with existing high-power commercial and military microwave systems operating under pulsed conditions [25]. Significantly, they also fall within the permissible “safe” limits of currently promulgated safety standards and protection guidelines, The required microwave technology is mature and in general, commercially available in many developed countries. confirming the conclusion of earlier studies.
Wu Tongning, Peng Ruiyun, Zhang Lei, Li Kun. Editorial: Human Exposure to New-Emerging Electric, Magnetic and Electromagnetic Fields. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 2022. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.894624.
With the advancement of wireless technologies and electronic/electrical devices, humans are exposed to more complicated electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields (EMF), which has raised public concerns on potential health effects. Researchers have recently conducted a series of studies on diverse exposure scenarios. In addition, international standard organizations have revised safety guidelines and standards (1). These recent results and practices can enhance our knowledge in assessing health risks from the exposure to EMF (2). This Research Topic consists of 14 articles (one review article, two brief research report articles, and 11 original research articles) published in the Radiation and Health section of Frontiers in Public Health....
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Philipp Jungk, Matthias Wienke, Christoph Schiefer, Ulrich Hartmann, Volker Harth, Claudia Terschüren, Carsten Alteköster, Daniel Friemert. Investigation of the impact of electromagnetic fields emitted close to the head by smart glasses. Biomed Tech (Berl). 2022 May 17. doi: 10.1515/bmt-2021-0301.
Abstract
The functionality of smart glasses includes the possibility of wireless communication. For this purpose, WiFi or Bluetooth modules are integrated into the glasses. They emit electromagnetic radiation in the vicinity of the user's head. This simulation study investigates the impact of varying positions, frequencies, and antenna types of the embedded WiFi or Bluetooth modules on different tissue types in the human head. The absorption of electromagnetic energy causes the main impact on the tissue in the head. This physical process is best described by the specific absorption rate SAR. To investigate the effects of position, frequency, and antenna type on the simulated SAR values multiple simulations have been carried out considering real-world applications of smart glasses. The results show that the type of antenna has little effect on the SAR values of the different tissues. The maximum regulated output powers explain the frequencies' impact on the exposure. According to our findings, the greatest influence on the SAR values can be attributed to the placement of the antenna. Finally, our study reveals that positioning the antenna at the front side of the head is optimal for most tissues because of its maximal distance to the head tissues.
Kenneth Deprez, Leen Verloock, Loek Colussi, Sam Aerts, Matthias Van den Bossche, Jos Kamer, John Bolte, Luc Martens, David Plets, Wout Joseph. In-Situ 5G NR Base Station Exposure of the General Public: Comparison of Assessment Methods. Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2022 May 3;ncac061. doi: 10.1093/rpd/ncac061.
Abstract
New measurement methods and equipment for correct 5G New Radio (NR) electromagnetic field (EMF) in-situ exposure assessment of instantaneous time-averaged exposure (Eavg) and maximum extrapolated field exposure (Emax) are proposed. The different options are investigated with in-situ measurements around 5G NR base stations (FR1) in different countries. The maximum electric field values satisfy the ICNIRP 2020 limit (maximum 7.7%). The difference between Emax and Eavg is <3 dB for the different measurement equipment at multiple sites in case there is only self-generated traffic. However, in a more realistic scenario, Eavg cannot be used to assess the exposure correctly due to influence of other users as the spatial distribution of user equipment (UE) influences Eavg, while Emax is not affected. However, when multiple UEs are collocated, there is no influence of the number of UEs. A broadband measurement can give a first impression of the RF-EMF exposure up to 700 m, but is not enough to assess the 5G-NR exposure.
A broadband measurement can give a first impression of the RF-EMF environment up to 700 m (deviations of 0.05–4.86 dB), but is limited in use (larger separations) and not enough to assess the 5G-NR field exposure.
The future work can be divided into two main parts. The first part is to test the measurement methods and equipment in more realistic, higher traffic environments. This will give a more accurate view on the impact of 5G NR on everyday RF-EMF exposure. The second part is to test the measurement methods for the frequency range 2 of 5G-NR (FR2), i.e. mm-waves. Here, more beams, higher bandwidths and more traffic are expected.
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Semi-quantitative methodology to assess health and safety risks arising from exposure to electromagnetic fields up to 300 GHz at workplaces according to Italian regulations
Laura Filosa, Vanni Lopresto. Semi-quantitative methodology to assess health and safety risks arising from exposure to electromagnetic fields up to 300 GHz at workplaces according to Italian regulations. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2022 May 16;1-41. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2077511. 3557482410803548.2022.2077511.
Abstract
This paper is focused a semi-quantitative methodology to assess and manage the health and safety risks arising from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) up to 300 GHz at workplaces as well as to identify the priorities of intervention, based on the requirements of European directive 2013/35/EU and Italian regulations. The study includes a synthetic overview on the effects arising from EMF exposure and the related regulatory framework on protection. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis is carried-out on the risk assessment process as well as on the technical and organisational measures for risk mitigation and their adaptation to the specific requirements of workers at particular risk, based on technical standards and best practice guides issued by international and national (Italian) standardisation bodies.
The EMF risk assessment process outlined in this paper takes into account the provisions of Directive 2013/35/EU [32] and of technical standard EN 50499:2019 [48], as well as the peculiar requirements of Italian regulations as referred to in the Framework Law 36/2001 [43] and relevant implementation decrees [41][42] along with the Legislative Decree 81/2008 and s.m.a. [39]. To this end, a useful compass to assess and manage EMF exposure at workplaces taking into account the specific provisions of Italian regulations is represented by the EMF Guide CEI 106-45 [44].
A semi-quantitative methodology for EMF risk assessment is proposed based on a two-dimensional matrix for risk analysis. The matrix reports the indexes of risk calculated as the product of the severity rate of a dangerous event and the likelihood of occurrence of such an event. The severity rating assigned to the effect should reflect the expected outcome of the hazardous event, meanwhile the probability of occurrence should take into account a number of factors related to the workplace and work practice. In relation to assessed index of risk can be identified the prevention and protection measures for risk mitigation as well as the intervention priorities, which shall be adapted to the workers at particular risk. The outcomes of the risk assessment process should be documented in the risk assessment report along with the improvement actions included in the Company Program for the Reduction of Exposure to EMF.
Evaluation of oxidative stress and genotoxicity of 900 MHz electromagnetic radiations using Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) test system
Surbhi Sharma, Shalini Bahel, Jatinder Kaur Katnoria. Evaluation of oxidative stress and genotoxicity of 900 MHz electromagnetic radiations using Trigonella foenum-graecum test system. Protoplasma. 2022 May 11. doi: 10.1007/s00709-022-01768-9.
Abstract
Unprecedented growth in the communication sector and expanded usage of the number of wireless devices in the past few decades have resulted in a tremendous increase in emissions of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiations (EMRs) in the environment. The widespread EMRs have induced many significant changes in biological systems leading to oxidative stress as well as DNA damage. Considering this, the present study was planned to study the effects of EMRs at 900 MHz frequency with the power density of 10.0 dBm (0.01 W) at variable exposure periods (0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h per day for 7 days) on percentage germination, morphological characteristics, protein content, lipid peroxidation in terms of malondialdehyde content (MDA), and antioxidant defense system of Trigonella foenum-graecum test system. The genotoxicity was also evaluated using similar conditions. It was observed that EMRs significantly decreased the germination percentage at an exposure time of 4 h and 8 h. Fresh weight and dry weight of root and shoot did not show significant variations, while the root and shoot length have shown significant variations for 4 h and 8 h exposure period. Further, EMRs enhanced MDA indicating lipid peroxidation. In response to exposure of EMRs, there was a significant up-regulation in the activities of enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), and glutathione reductase (GR) in the roots and shoots of Trigonella-foenum graecum. The genotoxicity study showed the induction of chromosomal aberrations in root tip cells of the Trigonella foenum-graecum test system. The present study revealed the induction of oxidative stress and genotoxicity of EMRs exposure in the test system.
We also exhibited that each of the factors of stress and radiation alone led to a significant decrease in sperm motility (Grade 1 and 2). Meanwhile, the effects of stress and RF field were not synergistic. Moreover, sperm motility (Grade 1) in sham2 group was not significantly different with that in control group. This may be attributed to the adaptation of biological tissues to stressor factors.
It seemed as though the effect of RF field and decreased distance from the radiation source leads to a decrease in the rate of sperm in Grades 1 and 2 and an increase rate sperm in Grades 3 and 4. According to the obtained results, the effect of the RF exposure on sperm motility might probably change according to the distance from the radiation source, which is more important than the exposure time.
Abstract
The high frequency electromagnetic (EM) waves have been proven as potent environmental polluters. The radio towers are considerably increasing to cater to the growing telecommunication requirements. The presented research focuses on the investigation of EM waves on antimicrobial potential of pharmaceutically important medicinal plants viz. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). The similar work has not been reported till date at the best of our knowledge. The medicinal plants were exposed to EM waves of 900 MHz possessing a 1.9 mG magnetic field. Our former investigation on plant physiology gave deteriorative effects on selected plants physiology in terms of growth, chlorophyll content, protein and carbohydrate content. In the presented article, the antimicrobial activity of two plants was inspected through various bacterial and fungal species. In case of B. monnieri, investigations revealed raise in Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) for both the bacterial and fungal strains in the range of 50%, whereas for O. sanctum increase of 63.26% and 59.42% ZOI for bacterial and fungal strains were noted respectively upon 24 h of exposure. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) also decreased for 24 and 48 h of exposure. The transient raise in antimicrobial activity indicated the induction of plant defense system which can be considered as positive influence of short term radiation on medicinal properties of plants. Both plants exhibited the highest antimicrobial potential for E. coli and P. chrysogenum showing a prominent decline after 72 h of exposure. A substantial decline in antimicrobial in MIC of B. monnieri reported was 211% against E. coli and 166% against P. chrysogenum upon 144 h of exposure compared to control plants. The antimicrobial potential of O. sanctum was also decreased upon radiation, which is having a 392% reduction against E. coli and a 225% reduction against P. chrysogenum upon 144 h of exposure. The noteworthy deteriorative effects of radio waves on antimicrobial potential have been observed for both the medicinal plants.
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Methods: The maximum magnet field measurement was evaluated by a Gauss meter. The interaction between PE and CIEDs from Boston Scientific and Medtronic were tested ex vivo using a body torso model. The CIED was placed in physiologic saline, and the PE was placed at the surface and at increasing distances of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 cm. Interactions were recorded by assessment of magnet mode status.
Results: The iPhone 12 had almost three times the static magnetic field measured at the surface as the iPhone XR, but magnetic field strength decreased dramatically with increasing distance. At the surface of the model, PE triggered magnet mode in all CIEDs. The maximum interaction distance for all combinations of CIEDs and Apple products was 1.5 cm.
Conclusions: The iPhone 12 produces a stronger static magnetic field than previous iPhone models. Magnets in PE tested will not interact with CIEDs when they are 15 cm from the implanted device. Since no interaction was observed beyond 1.5 cm, it is unlikely that magnet mode activation will occur during most daily activities.
Fangfang Tang, Luca Giaccone, Jiahao Hao, Fabio Freschi, Tongning Wu, Stuart Crozier, Feng Liu. Exposure of Infants to Gradient Fields in a Baby MRI Scanner. Bioelectromagnetics. 2022 Feb;43(2):69-80. doi: 10.1002/bem.22387.
In pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), infants are exposed to rapid, time-varying gradient magnetic fields, leading to electric fields induced in the body of infants and potential safety risks (e.g. peripheral nerve stimulation). In this numerical study, the in situ electric fields in infants induced by small-sized gradient coils for a 1.5 T MRI scanner were evaluated. The gradient coil set was specially designed for the efficient imaging of infants within a small-bore (baby) scanner. The magnetic flux density and induced electric fields by the small x, y, z gradient coils in an infant model (8-week-old with a mass of 4.3 kg) were computed using the scalar potential finite differences method. The gradient coils were driven by a 1 kHz sinusoidal waveform and also a trapezoidal waveform with a 250 µs rise time. The model was placed at different scan positions, including the head area (position I), chest area (position II), and body center (position III). It was found that the induced electric fields in most tissues exceeded the basic restrictions of the ICNIRP 2010 guidelines for both waveforms. The electric fields were similar in the region of interest for all coil types and model positions but different outside the imaging region. The y-coil induced larger electric fields compared with the x- and z- coils.
In this paper, we have numerically studied the field exposure of an infant model inside the baby x, y, z gradient coils during an MRI scan. The B-fields have exceeded the reference level 0.08 mT in most tissues for the frequency 1 kHz in ICNIRP 2010 guidelines. Based on the simulation results, it has been found that baby positioning primarily affected the induced E-field profiles. In most tissues, the EI values are larger than 1, indicating that the exposures have exceeded the reference level 0.4 V/m in ICNIRP 2010 guidelines for the frequency of 1 kHz. The largest E99.9% and EI are 5.41 V/m and 9.56, found in fat produced by y-coil in position III. The EI is determined based on the basic restrictions of ICNIRP 2010 guidelines; the results are possibly conservative as applicable guidelines/restrictions are not yet accessible for exposure of infants in MRI gradient fields.
The field exposure varies due to the variation of the driving current and rise time. It is likely stronger when all three gradient coils are switched faster and simultaneously during a realistic MRI scan. Further work is required to characterize more realistic field-infant tissue interactions with detailed nerve models, and it is hoped that these simulations will help inform compliance of clinical procedures.
Dobroslava Bujňáková, Samuel Bucko, Marek Češkovič, Vladimír Kmeť, Lívia Karahutová. The effect of exposure to non-ionising radiofrequency field on Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm. Environ Technol. 2022 May 4;1-21. doi: 10.1080/09593330.2022.2074317.
Abstract
An environment with a higher accumulation of electromagnetic non-ionising radiofrequency (RF) emissions generated by various telecommunication, data transport and navigation devices (mobile phones, Wi-Fi, radar, etc.) may have a major impact on biological systems. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of an electromagnetic field (EMF) on the development of bacterial biofilm. Quantification of biofilm production was done by using microtiter plate assay. Bacterial isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were exposed with EMF of frequencies 1-5 and 2.4 GHz with an exposure time 3 or 24 hours, respectively. Exposure of bacteria to EMF produced a statistically significant increase in biofilm production mainly at 1, 2 and 4 GHz, and in contrast, a significant inhibition of biofilm development occurred at frequencies 3 and 5 GHz, both with exception of Klebsiella oxytoca and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Wi-Fi operating at 2.4 GHz caused biofilm reduction. The results indicate that EMF exposure act on bacteria in both ways, depending on the frequency: as stressful by enhancing bacterial biofilm formation (under environmental stress, bacteria produce a polysaccharide matrix and aggregate to form biofilms to increase virulence and resistance), although some frequencies leading to biofilm damage could be caused by changes to the physicochemical properties of bacteria.
In conclusion, the results of our study revealed that EMF can stimulate/inhibit the ability of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to form biofilms, depending on the frequency and/or specific type of bacteria used. Based on the acquired results of the biofilm modulation (increasing/decreasing) EMF can also be expected to influencs the pathogenicity of microorganisms, since biofilm-associated bacteria are considered more resistant and difficult to treat; however, some results demonstrated EMF as a potential tool for biofilm removal, for example, on medical devices and biomaterials. Further studies are in progress (and need to be performed) to extend the current state of knowledge of the influence of EMF on microorganisms and to gather more information on other bacterial biological changeovers that may occur due to exposure to EMF, including antibiotic susceptibility (resistance) as a next substantial factor of bacterial pathogenicity. Undervaluing the problem of exposure to electromagnetic non-ionising RF radiation generated by various telecommunication and data transport as common part of the environment could lead to a further rise in infectious diseases or their complications.
Thapsigargin blocks electromagnetic field-elicited intracellular Ca 2+ increase in HEK 293 cells
Federico Bertagna, Rebecca Lewis, S Ravi P Silva, Johnjoe McFadden, Kamalan Jeevaratnam. Thapsigargin blocks electromagnetic field-elicited intracellular Ca 2+ increase in HEK 293 cells. Physiol Rep. 2022 May;10(9):e15189. doi: 10.14814/phy2.15189.
Biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have previously been identified for cellular proliferation and changes in expression and conduction of diverse types of ion channels. The major effect elicited by EMFs seems to be directed toward Ca2+ homeostasis. This is particularly remarkable since Ca2+ acts as a central modulator in various signaling pathways, including, but not limited to, cell differentiation and survival. Despite this, the mechanisms underlying this modulation have yet to be unraveled. Here, we assessed the effect of EMFs on intracellular [Ca2+ ], by exposing HEK 293 cells to both radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) and static magnetic fields (SMFs). We detected a constant and significant increase in [Ca2+ ] subsequent to exposure to both types of fields. Strikingly, the increase was nulled by administration of 10 μM Thapsigargin, a blocker of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPases (SERCAs), indicating the involvement of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in EMF-related modulation of Ca2+ homeostasis.
Open access paper: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.
Behnaz Rashidieh, Alireza Madjid Ansari, Mahdi Behdani, Behrad Darvishi, Mahdi Habibi-Anbouhi. Extremely low frequency magnetic field enhances expression of a specific recombinant protein in bacterial host. Anal Biochem. 2022 May 21;114745. doi: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114745.
Abstract
Expression of proteins in bacterial host cells, particularly E.coli, has gained much attention in recent years. Low expression outcome is the main technical drawback associated with this procedure, further restricting its largescale application in industry. Therefore, application of new amendments or reformations are required before further proceedings. Extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) have shown to significantly affect biological processes, including gene expression, in E.coli. In current study, we investigated whether application of ELF-MF could result in overexpression of proteins in E.coli or not. Cluster of differentiation-22 (CD22), as a model protein, was expressed in E.Coli Rosetta (DE3) under continuous exposure to ELF-MF after applying various concentrations of Isopropyl ß-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) (0.25-1.25 mM) as inducer. The strength and frequency of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) ranged between 15-100 mT and 2.5-20 Hz respectively. Interestingly, application of 55mT EMFs with frequencies ranging from 2.5 to 2.8 Hz significantly enhanced the yield of expression at all studied IPTG concentrations. Contrarily, EMFs with intensities other than 55 mT meaningfully declined protein expression at IPTG concentrations equal to 1 and 1.25 mM. In conclusion, application of specific range of ELF-MFs may be exploited as a new modification for enhancing heterologous expression of proteins in E.coli.
• Proximity to nurseries did not explain distance to power lines and CL associations.
Background: Close residential proximity to powerlines and high magnetic fields exposure may be associated with elevated childhood leukemia risks as reported by prior studies and pooled analyses. Magnetic fields exposure from high-voltage powerlines is associated with proximity to these powerlines and consequently with any factor varying with distance. Areas underneath powerlines in California may be sites for commercial plant nurseries that can use pesticides, a potential childhood leukemia risk factor.
Objectives: Assess if potential pesticide exposure from commercial plant nurseries is a confounder or interacts with proximity or magnetic fields exposure from high-voltage powerlines to increase childhood leukemia risk.
Methods: A comprehensive childhood leukemia record-based case-control study with 5788 cases and 5788 controls (born and diagnosed in California, 1986-2008) was conducted. Pesticide, powerline, and magnetic field exposure assessment utilized models that incorporated geographical information systems, aerial satellite images, site visits and other historical information.
Results: The relationship for calculated fields with childhood leukemia (odds ratio (OR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-3.23) slightly attenuated when controlling for nursery proximity (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.65-3.16) or restricting analysis to subjects living far (>300 m) from nurseries (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.79-2.60). A similar association pattern was observed between distance to high-voltage powerlines and childhood leukemia. The association between nursery proximity and childhood leukemia was unchanged or only slightly attenuated when controlling for calculated fields or powerline distance; ORs remained above 2 when excluding subjects with high calculated fields or close powerline proximity (OR 2.16, 95% CI 0.82-5.67 and OR 2.15, 95% CI 0.82-5.64, respectively). The observed relationships were robust to different time periods, reference categories, and cut points.
Discussion: Close residential proximity to nurseries is suggested as an independent childhood leukemia risk factor. Our results do not support plant nurseries as an explanation for observed childhood leukemia risks for powerline proximity and magnetic fields exposure, although small numbers of subjects concurrently exposed to high magnetic fields, close powerline proximity and plant nurseries limited our ability to fully assess potential confounding.
Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/
Bahareh Gholipour Hamedani, Bahram Goliaei, Seyed Peyman Shariatpanahi, Maryamsadat Nezamtaheri. An overview of the biological effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields combined with ionizing radiation. Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 2022 May 2;S0079-6107(22)00037-2. doi: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.04.
By growing the electrical power networks and electronic devices, electromagnetic fields (EMF) have become an inseparable part of the modern world. Considering the inevitable exposure to a various range of EMFs, especially at extremely low frequencies (ELF-EMF), investigating the biological effects of ELF-EMFs on biological systems became a global issue. The possible adverse consequences of these exposures were studied, along with their potential therapeutic capabilities. Also, their biological impacts in combination with other chemical and physical agents, specifically ionizing radiation (IR), as a co-carcinogen or as adjuvant therapy in combination with radiotherapy were explored. Here, we review the results of several in-vitro and in-vivo studies and discuss some proposed possible mechanisms of ELF-EMFs' actions in combination with IR. The results of these experiments could be fruitful to develop more precise safety standards for environmental ELF-EMFs exposures. Furthermore, it could evaluate the therapeutic capacities of ELF-EMFs alone or as an improver of radiotherapy.
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Lung Cell Toxicity of Co-Exposure to Airborne Particulate Matter and Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Field
Zahra Panjali, Parviz Abdolmaleki, Behnam Hajipour, Omar Hahad, Rezvan Zendehdel. Lung Cell Toxicity of Co-Exposure to Airborne Particulate Matter and Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Field. Xenobiotica. 2022 May 24;1-34. doi: 10.1080/00498254.2022.2082342.
Abstract
Although the toxic effects of urban airborne particulate matter (PM) have been known on lung cells, there is less attention to co-exposure to PM and extremely low frequency magnetic (ELF-MF) in occupational settings. The present study investigated the influences of PM and ELF-MF co-exposure on toxicity in human lung cells (A549). In this case, total PM (TPM) was evaluated according to NIOSH-0500. The TPM SiO2 and metal contents were determined based on NIOSH-7602 and 7302, respectively. Besides, 900 mG ELF-MF exposure was simulated based on field measurements. The toxicity mechanisms were assessed by examining malondialdehyde, glutathione ratio, gene expression, and DNA strand breaks. Also, the toxicity indicators of the TPM samples were MDA generation, glutathione depletion, and DNA damage, and their impacts were analyzed at doses below the LD50 (4 µg). In addition, gene expression of OGG1 and MTH1 was upregulated after TPM exposure at the lowest dose (2 µg). But ITPA was upregulated in the presence of ELF-MF. The co-exposure to TPM and ELF-MF decreased oxidative stress and DNA damage levels compared to a single exposure to TPM. Although the ELF-MF reduced toxicity in response to TPM, this reduction was not lower than the unexposed cells.
Anita Franczak, Ewa Monika Drzewiecka, Wiktoria Kozlowska, Agata Zmijewska, Pawel Jozef Wydorski, Anna Koziorowska. The effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on synthesis and release of steroid hormones by the porcine conceptuses during the peri-implantation period. Reprod Fertil Dev. 2022 May 2. doi: 10.1071/RD22040.
Context: Electrical devices and power systems are the sources of EM-waves which propagate everywhere in the environment.
Aims: The study aimed to determine whether EMF induced changes in the steroidogenesis of conceptuses and whether progesterone (P4) may be a possible protectant against the effects of EMF radiation.
Methods: The entire porcine conceptuses were collected during the peri-implantation period (days 15-16 of pregnancy), divided into fragments (100mg) and treated in vitro with EMF (50Hz or 120Hz, 2 or 4h exposure), and examined to determine of CYP17A1, HSD3B1, CYP19A3, and HSD17B4 mRNA transcript and encoded protein abundance and the release of steroid hormones. Selected fragments of conceptuses were treated with P4.
Key results: In conceptuses incubated without P4, EMF at 120Hz decreased androstenedione (A4) and testosterone (T) release after 2h and increased oestrone (E1) release at 50Hz and 120Hz after 4h exposure. In P4-treated conceptuses, EMF (50 and 120Hz, 4h exposure) decreased CYP19A3 mRNA transcript abundance, and increased (120Hz, 2h exposure) oestradiol-17β (E2) release.
Conclusions: The EMF radiation alters androgen and oestrogen synthesis and release from the conceptuses of pigs during the peri-implantation period. The P4 exerts protective effects on androgens and E1 release but it sensitises the conceptuses when comes to the mechanism of oestrogen synthesis and release during EMF radiation.
Implications: The effect of EMF radiation on the steroidogenic pathway in conceptuses may induce disturbances in their proper development and implantation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
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Scrutinizing the Impact of Alternating Electromagnetic Fields on Molecular Features of the Model Plant Arabidopsis thaliana
Sonja Michèle Schmidtpott, Saliba Danho, Vijay Kumar, Thorsten Seidel, Wolfgang Schöllhorn, Karl-Josef Dietz. Scrutinizing the Impact of Alternating Electromagnetic Fields on Molecular Features of the Model Plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr 23;19(9):5144. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19095144.
Abstract
Natural and anthropogenic electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are ubiquitous in the environment and interfere with all biological organisms including plants. Particularly the quality and quantity of alternating EMFs from anthropogenic sources are increasing due to the implementation of novel technologies. There is a significant interest in exploring the impact of EMFs (similar to those emitted from battery chargers of electric cars) on plants. The model plant Arabidopsis thaliana was exposed to a composite alternating EMF program for 48 h and scrutinized for molecular alterations using photosynthetic performance, metabolite profiling, and RNA sequencing followed by qRT-PCR validation. Clear differences in the photosynthetic parameters between the treated and control plants indicated either lower nonphotochemical quenching or higher reduction of the plastoquinone pool or both. Transcriptome analysis by RNA sequencing revealed alterations in transcript amounts upon EMF exposure; however, the gene ontology groups of, e.g., chloroplast stroma, thylakoids, and envelope were underrepresented. Quantitative real-time PCR validated deregulation of some selected transcripts. More profound were the readjustments in metabolite pool sizes with variations in photosynthetic and central energy metabolism. These findings together with the invariable phenotype indicate efficient adjustment of the physiological state of the EMF-treated plants, suggesting testing for more challenging growth conditions in future experiments.
EMF exposure occurs ubiquitously on Earth and is a regular environmental parameter all life forms have to deal with. Anthropogenic alternating and rapidly changing EMF emission accentuate the requirement to research the EMF–life and, as conducted here, EMF–plant interaction. The data show that alternating EMF-exposed plants undergo significant alterations at the levels of photosynthesis, transcriptome, and metabolome. The underlying perception and response mechanisms to weak EMF still need deeper scrutiny and could involve changes in cell signaling, e.g., by interfering with Ca2+ fluxes and concentrations [57]. The changes in photosynthetic features are remarkable particularly since the gross growth parameters were unaltered. A profound metabolic readjustment was detectable upon EMF exposure that would merit further experiments, both in the context of photosynthesis and respiratory energy metabolism. The growth conditions with about 5% of full sunlight (100 µmol photons.m−2 s−1) might not be ideal to work out possible negative effects of the EMF treatment on plant performance. In future experiments, it would be worthwhile to combine such EMF treatments with challenging growth conditions, e.g., by growth in saturating light or combinatorial stress applications [58]. Future experiments could also include the study of early development such as seed germination and seedling establishment similar to [57].
Prussian blue technique is prone to yield false negative results in magnetoreception research
Franziska Curdt, Katrin Haase, Laura Ziegenbalg, Helena Greb, Dominik Heyers, Michael Winklhofer. Prussian blue technique is prone to yield false negative results in magnetoreception research. Sci Rep. 2022 May 25;12(1):8803. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-12398-9.
Abstract
Perls's Prussian blue staining technique has been used in magnetoreception research to screen tissues for iron-rich structures as proxies for putative magnetoreceptor structures based on magnetic particles. However, seemingly promising structural candidates in the upper beak of birds detected with Prussian blue turned out to be either irreproducible or located in non-neuronal cells, which has spurred a controversy that has not been settled yet. Here we identify possible pitfalls in the previous works and apply the Prussian blue technique to tissues implicated in magnetic-particle-based magnetoreception, in an effort to reassess its suitability for staining single-domain magnetite, i.e., the proposed magnetic substrate for the interaction with the external magnetic field. In the upper beak of night-migratory songbirds, we found staining products in great numbers, but not remotely associated with fiber terminals of the traced ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. Surprisingly, staining products were absent from the lamina propria in the olfactory rosette of rainbow trout where candidate magnetoreceptor structures were identified with different techniques earlier. Critically, magnetosome chains in whole cells of magnetotactic bacteria remained unstained. The failure to label single-domain magnetite in positive control samples is a serious limitation of the technique and suggests that two most influential but antipodal studies conducted previously stood little chances of obtaining correct positive results under the assumption that magnetosome-like particles were present in the tissues. Nonetheless, the staining technique appears suitable to identify tissue contamination with iron-rich fine dust trapped in epithelia already in vivo.
Effects of pre and postnatal 2450 MHz continuous wave (CW) radiofrequency radiation on thymus: Four generation exposure
Fazile Cantürk Tan, Betül Yalçin, Arzu Hanım Yay, Burak Tan, Korkut Yeğin, Süleyman Daşdağ. Effects of pre and postnatal 2450 MHz continuous wave (CW) radiofrequency radiation on thymus: Four generation exposure. Electromagn Biol Med. 2022 May 30;1-10. doi: 10.1080/15368378.2022.2079673.
Abstract
Effect of an Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field on the Concentration of Salivary Immunoglobulin A
Piotr Skomro, Danuta Lietz-Kijak, Olga Bogdziewicz-Wałęsa, Joanna Janiszewska-Olszowska. Effect of an Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field on the Concentration of Salivary Immunoglobulin A. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 10;19(10):5786. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19105786.
Abstract
In light of concerns regarding the occupational safety and health of workers wearing active implantable medical devices (AIMDs), this study aims to investigate the potential risks of electromagnetic interference (EMI) between AIMDs and low-frequency 50/60 Hz electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the workplace. A total of 58 AIMDs, consisting of pacemakers (PMs) and implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) of different brands, models, and configurations were tested to determine the immunity thresholds for high-voltage electric fields (EFs) and magnetic fields (MFs) at 50/60 Hz. The EFs and MFs at the levels in workplaces are reproduced by setups using Helmholtz coils and aluminum plates, respectively, to ensure that the EM/MF exposures are controllable and reproducible. The EMI thresholds were recorded by observing the occurrences of PM or ICD dysfunctions. In addition, numerical studies on anatomical models were carried out using CST® software. The results indicate that the recorded thresholds all exceed the EF and MF public exposure limits given in the ICNIRP 2010 guidelines. No dysfunction was observed among four ICDs tested under MF exposure up to 2750 µT at 50 Hz and 2480 µT at 60 Hz. However, among the 43 PMs and 11 ICDs tested under EF exposures, potential hazards may occur below the occupational exposure level proposed in the ICNIRP guidelines.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35641069/
Human magnetic sense is mediated by a light and magnetic field resonance-dependent mechanism
Kwon-Seok Chae, Soo-Chan Kim, Hye-Jin Kwon, Yongkuk Kim. Human magnetic sense is mediated by a light and magnetic field resonance-dependent mechanism. Sci Rep. 2022 May 30;12(1):8997. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-12460-6.
Abstract