Abstract
There is a rapid development in technologies that generate weak static magnetic fields (SMF) including high-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines, systems operating with batteries, such as electric cars, and devices using permanent magnets. However, few reviews on the effects of such fields on biological systems have been prepared and none of these evaluations have had a particular focus on weak SMF (≤ 1 mT). The aim of this review was to systematically analyze and evaluate possible effects of weak SMF (≤ 1 mT) on biological functioning and to provide an update on the current state of research. This review was prepared in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. Methodological limitations in individual studies were assessed using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) Risk-of-Bias Rating Tool. Eleven studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. All included studies were experimental animal studies as no human studies were among the eligible articles. Eight of the eleven studies reported responses of rat, rabbits and quails to weak SMF exposure that were expressed as altered melatonin biosynthesis, reduced locomotor activity, altered vasomotion and blood pressure, transient changes in blood pressure-related biochemical parameters, or in the level of neurotransmitters and increases in enzyme activities. It remained largely unclear from the interpretation of the results whether the reported effects in the evaluated studies were beneficial or detrimental for health. The available evidence from the literature reviewed is not sufficient to draw a conclusion for biological and health-related effects of exposure to weak SMF. There was a lack of homogeneity regarding the exposed biological systems and the examined endpoints as well as a lack of scientific rigor in most reviewed studies which lowered credibility in the reported results. We therefore encourage further and more systematic research in this area. Any new studies should particularly address effects of exposure to SMF on biological functioning in humans to evaluate whether SMF pose a risk to human health.
Highlights
The installation of new high-voltage power lines [1, 2] and the introduction of novel technologies that produce electromagnetic fields (EMF), such as 5G networks [3], smart meters [4], and electric vehicles [5] have led to controversial discussions among the public, politicians, non-governmental organizations, and the industry about the benefits of these technologies and the possible risks of exposure to non-ionizing radiation
There is a rapid development in technologies that generate weak static magnetic fields (SMF) including high-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines, systems operating with batteries, such as electric cars, and devices using permanent magnets
CremerBartels 1984 [40] (2nd tier) quails n = 6 exposure groups: SMF of 72 μT for 20 or 60 min control group: SMF of 48 μT for the same durations axis of the coil was aligned along the geomagnetic field (GMF) lines in the experimental area quails were exposed in groups of 3 animals enzyme activity of hydroxyindole-Omethyltransferase (HIOMT) in the pineal gland decrease of HIOMT enzyme activity after 20 (p 0.025) and 60 min (p 0.01)
Summary
The installation of new high-voltage power lines [1, 2] and the introduction of novel technologies that produce electromagnetic fields (EMF), such as 5G networks [3], smart meters [4], and electric vehicles [5] have led to controversial discussions among the public, politicians, non-governmental organizations, and the industry about the benefits of these technologies and the possible risks of exposure to non-ionizing radiation. The intensity of static magnetic fields (SMF) emitted from HVDC lines is comparatively weak, there is public concern about possible health-related and environmental impacts of SMF produced in the vicinity of HVDC power lines. There is a rapid development in technologies that generate weak static magnetic fields (SMF) including high-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines, systems operating with batteries, such as electric cars, and devices using permanent magnets. The aim of this review was to systematically analyze and evaluate possible effects of weak SMF ( 1 mT) on biological functioning and to provide an update on the current state of research
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