Effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on animal cancer and DNA damage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Brabant C, Honvo G, Demonceau C, Tirelli E, Léonard F, Bruyère O

Year: 2024

Category: Biophysics

Journal: Prog Biophys Mol Biol

DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.12.005

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39746455/

Abstract

Overview

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) on various cancer types and DNA damage in animal models.

Findings

  • A global meta-analysis on 19 studies found no significant effects of ELF-MF on overall cancer incidence in rodents.
  • Separate analysis highlighted an increased likelihood of leukemia in mice but not in rats.
  • ELF-MF did not increase DNA damage in neuroblastoma cells according to a meta-analysis of three comet assay studies.
  • ELF-MF may potentially damage DNA in certain cell types like brain cells.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that ELF-MF exposure does not pose a significant carcinogenic risk to mammals, although it could potentially cause leukemia under specific conditions. The study confirms that the broader impacts of ELF-MF are limited, with no significant influence on overall cancer risk or DNA integrity in most tested instances.

ELF-MF cancer DNA damage meta-analysis rodents leukemia magnetic fields
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