No evidence for genotoxicity in mice due to exposure to intermediate-frequency magnetic fields used for wireless power-transfer systems

Abstract

Overview

Time varying magnetic fields (MFs), especially at 85 kHz within the intermediate frequency (IF) band (300 Hz - 10 MHz), are utilized in wireless power-transfer (WPT) systems commonly used for charging electric vehicles. Public concerns about the health effects of IF-MF have led to extensive discussions.

Findings

• Assessment of genotoxic effects using high-intensity IF-MF exposure in mice resulted in an average whole-body electric field of 54.1 V/m.
• Genotoxic effects were evaluated through a 2-week exposure schedule with a one-hour daily exposure, totaling 10 hours. X-irradiated mice served as positive controls.
• Analysis conducted using the micronucleus (MN) test and the Pig-a mutation assay on blood samples collected before and after IF-MF exposure showed no significant differences in MN or Pig-a mutations between IF-MF-exposed and sham-exposed mice.

Conclusion

No genotoxicity was induced by IF-MF exposure under the test conditions, which exceeded the ICNIRP guidelines by 2.36 times the basic restriction for occupational exposure (22.9 V/m). This supports the safety of IF-MF exposure in practical applications of WPT technology.