The effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields exposure at 1 mT on hemogram and blood biochemistry in rats

Abstract

Overview

The biological effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) exposure remain uncertain. This study aimed to further understand these effects by focusing on hematologic and biochemical changes in rats.

Methodology

Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent ELF-EMF exposure at an intensity of 1 mT for a duration of 24 weeks. Concurrently, another group of 30 rats were only sham exposed for comparison.

• Data Collection: Peripheral blood was collected every 4 weeks to analyze various hematologic parameters and biochemical indexes.
• Morphological Assessment: At the end of the 24-week period, the liver and kidney morphologies were examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining.

Findings

No significant changes were observed in hematologic parameters such as total white blood cell count, neutrophil ratio, lymphocyte ratio, red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, and platelet count. Furthermore, biochemical indexes, including glucose levels, lipid profiles, liver, and renal functions, remained unaffected by ELF-EMF exposure.

In addition, there were no morphological changes in the liver and kidneys of the rats exposed to ELF-EMF.

Conclusion

The study concludes that exposure to ELF-EMF at 1 mT for 24 weeks does not affect hematologic and biochemical indexes in adult rats. This suggests a lack of clear health risks at this exposure level and duration in the studied parameters. However, given the importance of continuous research in this field due to potential long-term effects, further studies are encouraged.