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Assessing the potential carcinogenic activity of magnetic fields using animal models
J McCann1, R Kavet, C N Rafferty
1Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, California, USA. jmccann@xpressweb.com
Environmental Health Perspectives
|March 4, 2000
Summary
This review of magnetic field (MF) exposure in animal cancer models found no evidence of carcinogenicity. While most studies showed no effect, a weak promoting effect cannot be entirely ruled out.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Carcinogenesis Research
Background:
- Previous research in 1997 indicated a need for updated analysis on magnetic fields and cancer.
- A substantial body of animal bioassay data on carcinogenesis now exists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review new reports on magnetic field (MF) exposure in in vivo animal models of carcinogenesis.
- To evaluate the carcinogenic potential of MFs based on updated evidence.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed 29 new reports and 41 total studies across six in vivo animal models.
- Evaluated experiments using data quality criteria and assessed reproducibility.
- Included chronic exposure studies and promotion/progression models.
Main Results:
- Approximately 80% of studies met data quality criteria.
- Independent reproducibility was not met for positive results, but was met for negative results in chronic and promotion assays.
- Conflicting results were observed in rat mammary carcinoma model replication studies.
Conclusions:
- Long-term exposure to 50/60-Hz MFs (0.002-5 mT) is unlikely to cause cancer in rats or mice.
- A weak promoting effect of MFs under specific conditions cannot be excluded, despite mostly negative promotion/progression assay results.
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