In situ electric field dosimetry analysis for powerline frequency peripheral nerve magnetic stimulation

Authors: Fresnel E, Bouisset N, Soyka F, et al.

Year: 2025

Category: Electromagnetic Dosimetry, Neurophysiology

Journal: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-12284-0

URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-12284-0

Abstract

Overview

Humans are exposed to environmental 60 Hz magnetic fields (MFs), which induce electric fields (EFs) and currents within the body—mechanisms that may potentially stimulate the peripheral nervous system (PNS). There is significant uncertainty regarding the threshold for PNS stimulation by 60 Hz MFs. Accurate dosimetry and understanding of these processes are essential to inform safety guidelines.

Methods

  • This research modeled a new extremely low frequency MF exposure system designed for the human leg, analyzing EFs generated by a 60 Hz magnetic field at both skin and nerve levels.
  • Two nerve excitation models were used: the spatially extended nonlinear node (SENN) model and the McIntyre-Richardson-Grill (MRG) model, the latter considered the gold standard in electrostimulation research.
  • A Helmholtz-like coil system was engineered to produce EFs sufficient for peripheral nerve stimulation; field calculations incorporated Biot-Savart and Faraday laws.
  • Sim4Life simulations determined EF distributions within a realistic human body model and across specific nerve pathways in the leg.

Findings

  • High EF intensities were detected in multiple sensory and sensory-motor nerves, indicating a risk of nerve stimulation at plausible environmental exposures.
  • The threshold for nerve stimulation was lower using the MRG model compared to the SENN model, suggesting that health risks could be underestimated by older modeling techniques.
  • Nerve orientation relative to the induced field significantly impacts stimulation risk and must be carefully considered in dosimetric assessments and safety standards.

Conclusion

This work underscores the necessity of comprehensive and realistic dosimetric modeling for designing and validating MF exposure systems. There is a clear need for experimental data to further refine safety guidelines protecting both workers and the general public from possible electromagnetic field (EMF) health effects, particularly concerning nerve stimulation risks from environmental powerline frequencies.

electromagnetic fields dosimetry powerline frequency nerve stimulation human exposure modeling health risk
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