Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Influence of 50 Hz-1 mT magnetic field on human median nerve med./bio.

Published in: Electromagn Biol Med 2012; 31 (4): 285-292

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To examine whether exposure of humans to 50 Hz-magnetic fields influences the nerve conduction mechanism in the arm.

Background/further details

6 healthy volunteers were examined. Measurements were performed three times for every proband: 1.) before exposure, 2.) during exposure and 3.) after exposure. The median nerve from the right arm was stimulated on the elbow and on the wrist with pulses (0.2 ms, 2 Hz). The motor responses were recorded from the Abductor pollicis brevis muscle (abductor of the thumb), using surface electrodes.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 5 min

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 5 min
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup pair of Helmholtz coils with a diameter of 10 cm and 220 turns of 0.8 mm gauge copper wire placed parallel to the table, mounted on a plastic frame, 15 cm apart, connected in series; arm of the test person placed in the axial position in the coils
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 1 mT - measured and calculated - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No significant differences were seen between the measurements during the exposure and the measurements before and after the exposure. However, a significant decrease in the stimulus conduction was observed in the measurements after the exposure when compared to the measurements before the exposure.
The authors conclude that these results could indicate a potential deleterious effect of 50 Hz-magnetic field exposure on human nerves.

Study character:

Study funded by

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