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Related Experiment Videos

Weak electric field interactions in the central nervous system.

Richard D Saunders1, John G R Jefferys

  • 1National Radiological Protection Board, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire. richard.saunders@nrpb.org

Health Physics
|August 30, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields induce weak currents in the body. Research suggests potential effects on the central nervous system at lower thresholds than previously thought, especially in vivo.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Neuroscience
  • Electromagnetism

Background:

  • Exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) induces internal electric fields and currents.
  • Current exposure guidelines (NRPB, ICNIRP) focus on avoiding acute central nervous system (CNS) effects.
  • In vitro studies show weak electric field effects below action potential thresholds.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential effects of ELF EMFs on the nervous system at lower induced field strengths.
  • To compare the sensitivity of in vitro preparations versus the intact nervous system to induced electric fields.
  • To evaluate the evidence for effects of induced currents on CNS functions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on ELF EMF exposure and biological effects.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of in vitro studies on brain slice preparations.
  • Consideration of in vivo evidence, particularly concerning retinal cells.
  • Estimation of thresholds for nerve stimulation and potential CNS effects.

    • Main Results:

    • Induced electric fields and currents are typically lower than those stimulating peripheral nerves.
    • In vitro thresholds for weak electric field effects are estimated around 1 mV mm(-1).
    • Electrically excitable retinal cells show in vivo effects at induced currents as low as 10 mA m(-2).
    • The intact nervous system may be more sensitive than in vitro models.

    Conclusions:

    • Evidence suggests potential CNS effects at induced current densities of 10 mA m(-2) or lower.
    • Further in vitro and in vivo research in animal models is necessary.
    • Clarifying the effects of ELF EMFs on the nervous system requires more experimental data.