Genetic damage in humans exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields

• Published in: Archives of toxicology Vol. 90; no. 10; pp. 2337 - 2348
• Main Authors: Maes, A., Verschaeve, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.10.2016; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animals; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Chromosome Aberrations - radiation effects; Chromosome Aberrations - statistics & numerical data; DNA Damage; Electromagnetic Fields - adverse effects; Electromagnetics; Environmental Health; Genetics; Human exposure; Humans; Lymphocytes; Lymphocytes - pathology; Lymphocytes - radiation effects; Magnetic fields; Mouth Mucosa - pathology; Mouth Mucosa - radiation effects; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Occupational Medicine/Industrial Medicine; Pharmacology/Toxicology; Review Article; Cytogenetic damage; Magnetic fields; Lymphocytes; Workers; ELF; Buccal cells
• ISSN: 0340-5761; 1432-0738; 1432-0738
• DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1769-9

The classification of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in the group of ‘possible human carcinogens’ (group 2B) is essentially based on epidemiologic evidence showing an association between MF exposures and childhood leukaemia. Despite many in vitro and in vivo investigations, there is no established causal relationship yet. However, human cytogenetic biomonitoring studies that were conducted in the past show predominantly positive results, i.e. increased cytogenetic damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes or buccal cells of ELF-MF-exposed subjects. This is important given the established link between observed cytogenetic damage in cells of people and an increased cancer risk. We here conducted an evaluation of the published investigations and found that many of the studies clearly have shortcomings, which often prevent any firm conclusion. As a matter of fact, there are reasons to believe that effects are not that impressive. However, the totality of the studies cannot simply be disregarded warranting further caution and the application, to a certain extent, of the precautionary principle.