Effects of low frequency magnetic fields on the hematopoietic system, the immune system and the central nervous system

The issue was examined at the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM) in Hannover within the scope of a research project commissioned by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS). The project "Effects of low frequency fields on the developing hematopoietic system, the immune system and the CNS in vivo" should clarify whether pre- and postnatal exposure of laboratory animals (mice) to low frequency magnetic fields (50 Hertz (Hz)) has an impact on the developing hematopoietic system, the immune system and the CNS with the main focus on neoplasias of the hematopoietic system.

Results

A reduction of cytotoxic T-cells/suppressor cells was seen in peripheral blood and spleen in middle (1mT) and high (10 mT) dose groups at day 90. Increased lymphocyte counts and decreased counts of banded neutrophiles were seen after 19 months of exposure, but the results of the histopathological examination did not display any exposure related alterations, especially neither for neoplastic nor for non-neoplastic lesions.

Literature study

At the beginning of the project a literature study has been performed which compiles and evaluates the scientific literature on the impact of ELF exposure mainly on the hematopoietic system and the CNS in animals and man.

You can download the literature review (in German, foreword and summary in English) at the BfS online repository DORIS.

Final report

The main part with summary and conclusion and the annex of the final report can be downloaded (in German, summary and conclusion in English) at the BfS online repository.