Abstract

Magnetic Fields and Their Biological Impact: An Overview

This article explores the omnipresent yet often overlooked aspect of our environment - magnetic fields. These include the constant geomagnetic field, its fluctuations during magnetic storms, and man-made sources. Known as extremely-low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs), they have been studied extensively since the 1980s, revealing diverse biological impacts yet no unified mechanism of action.

Overview

Magnetic fields, specifically ELF-MFs, are a fundamental component of our environment. This review delves into the amassed data from various studies to reconsider old and discover new potential research areas focusing on these fields.

• Existence of multiple theories despite no consensus on a unified mechanism for magnetic field effects.
• Focus on molecular–cellular level influences and overall organism impacts.

Findings

ELF-MFs, with a frequency of less than 1 kHz, show a vast spectrum of effects on biological systems, impacting human cardiovascular systems and potentially increasing cancer risks. Notable effects also span across nervous, immune, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems in humans and animals, as well as affecting plants and insects.

• Significant relationships found between the MF spectral content and biological effects, pinpointing specific amplitude–frequency "windows" vital for future research.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of continued research into ELF-MFs, stressing the potential health risks associated with exposure to these fields. It highlights the need for more comprehensive interdisciplinary studies to fully understand the intricacies of magnetic fields and their biological effects, aiming for practical applications in biology, medicine, and agriculture.