Effects of ELF magnetic fields on biological magnetite

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1993 · Bioelectromagnetics (New York); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.2250140103· OSTI ID:6381829

Adair, R K ^[1]

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1. Yale Univ., New Haven, CT (United States)

The effects of 60 Hz magnetic fields of 5 [mu]T (50 mG) or less on biological structures holding magnetite (Fe[sub 3]0[sub 4]) are shown to be much smaller than that from thermal agitation; hence such interactions cannot be expected to be biologically significant. Various species have been shown to manufacture magnetite, which is used in some cases in conjunction with the earth's magnetic field to determine direction ([Frankel, 1986; Kirschvink and Kobayashi-Kirschvink, 1991].) This magnetite is usually found in sets of single domain grains, about 500[angstrom] in diameter, where all grains are magnetized in the same direction. Typically, such grains are enclosed by a membrane and are called magnetosomes. Hence, the possibility that weak ELF magnetic fields may cause biological effects in humans by the interaction of the field with magnetosomes must be considered.

• OSTI ID: 6381829
• Journal Information: Bioelectromagnetics (New York); (United States), Vol. 14:1; ISSN 0197-8462
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
CELL MEMBRANES
MAGNETITE
CELL CONSTITUENTS
IRON ORES
MATERIALS
MEMBRANES
MINERALS
ORES
OXIDE MINERALS
560400* - Other Environmental Pollutant Effects