title: Effects of 60 Hz extremely low frequency magnetic fields (EMF) on radiation- and chemical-induced mutagenesis in mammalian cells.
abstract: There is considerable uncertainty of the potential biological effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF or EMF) because of mixed results in epidemiological and laboratory studies. In the present study, exponentially growing human-hamster hybrid A(L) cells were treated with a 100 microT alternating EMF powered at 60 Hz for either 24 h or 7 days. Exposure to EMF was conducted either alone or in combination with graded doses of a physical or chemical carcinogen. gamma-radiation was chosen as a form of ionizing radiation while N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was chosen as a form of chemical contaminant. Exposure of A(L) cells to EMF alone for a period up to 7 days was non-cytotoxic and non-mutagenic. Concurrent EMF treatment did not increase either the cytotoxicity or induction of CD59- mutants by graded doses of gamma-rays or MNNG in A(L) cells. This study shows conclusively that short-term or long-term exposure to EMF alone neither affects the survival of A(L) cells nor increases the mutagenic potency of other environmental carcinogens.
authors.affiliation: Center for Radiological Research, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, VC 11-218, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Ansari
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Hei
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D006822:Hybrid Cells; D008769:Methylnitronitrosoguanidine / Q000633:toxicity; D016296:Mutagenesis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D009153:Mutagens / Q000633:toxicity; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D009153:Mutagens; D008769:Methylnitronitrosoguanidine