Abstract

Overview

To evaluate hematological effects of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) extremely low frequency (ELF) electric field exposure, this study investigated red blood cell (RBC) movement in whole blood.

Method and Findings

• Red blood cell movements were captured through video images under a microscope.
• A specialized electrode system was used to expose the blood to DC and AC ELF electric fields.
• Video analysis software measured the velocities, showing distinct differences between DC and AC exposures.
• The study revealed that electrophoretic movements in DC fields and dielectrophoretic movements in AC fields are dominant.
• Interestingly, the electric field strengths necessary to observe these movements are significantly higher (103 -105 times) than the current safety guidelines for human exposure.

Conclusion

The findings underline the importance of reassessing safety standards for electromagnetic field exposure, considering that significantly high field strengths studied here show hematologic effects, albeit at intensities far above those typically encountered by humans.