Effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on animal cancer and DNA damage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Brabant C, Honvo G, Demonceau C, Tirelli E, L�onard F, Bruy�re O

Year: 2024 Dec 31

Category: Toxicology, Carcinogenesis

Journal: Prog Biophys Mol Biol

DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.12.005

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39746455/

Abstract

Overview

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the carcinogenic effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) by analyzing animal and comet assay studies.

  • Global meta-analysis conducted on all the animal studies relating ELF-MF to cancer incidence.
  • Separate meta-analyses performed on incidence of cancer types (leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, brain cancer) and DNA damage (comet assay).
  • 5145 references identified, with 71 studies included in the systematic review and 22 in the meta-analyses.

Findings

  • Global meta-analysis: ELF-MF exposure had no significant impact on overall cancer incidence in rodents (19 studies, OR = 1.10; 95% CI 0.91-1.32).
  • Leukemia: ELF-MF increased the odds of developing leukemia in mice (4 studies, OR = 4.45; 95% CI 1.90-10.38), but not rats.
  • ELF-MF did not affect odds of lymphoma, brain cancer, and breast cancer in rodents.
  • ELF-MF had no influence on survival and body weight in rodents.
  • DNA damage: Systematic review suggests ELF-MF can damage DNA in certain cell types, such as brain cells. However, meta-analysis of three comet assay studies indicated ELF-MF did not increase DNA damage in neuroblastoma cells (SMD = -0.08; 95% CI -0.18-0.01).

Conclusion

Overall, exposure to ELF-MF may not represent a major cancer hazard for mammals, but there is a clear connection to increased leukemia risk in mice and potential DNA damage in selected rodent cell types. These findings highlight the importance of further research and EMF safety precautions, particularly regarding leukemia and DNA integrity.

extremely low frequency magnetic fields ELF-MF animal studies cancer risk leukemia DNA damage systematic review
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