Biological interactions of extremely-low-frequency electric and magnetic fields

Conference · Wed Feb 28 23:00:00 EST 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-0728(91)85576-B· OSTI ID:6904679

Tenforde, T S

A description is given of the fundamental physical properties of extremely-low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields, and the mechanisms through which these fields interact with the human body at a macroscopic level. the mechanisms through which ELF electric and magnetic fields induce currents in humans and other living objects are described. Evidence is presented that cell membranes play an important role in transducing ELF signals. Both experimental evidence and theoretical models are described that relate pericellular currents and electrochemical events at the outer membrane surface to transmembrane signaling pathways and cytoplasmic responses. Biological responses to ELF fields at the tissue, cellular and molecular levels are summarized, including new evidence that ELF field exposure produces alterations in messenger RNA synthesis, gene expression and the cytoplasmic concentrations of specific proteins. 50 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE/ER
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 6904679
• Report Number(s): PNL-SA-17147; CONF-8909334--1; ON: DE90011927
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560400* -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS
CELL CONSTITUENTS
CELL MEMBRANES
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
DISASTERS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
EQUATIONS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
MAMMALS
MAN
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MAXWELL EQUATIONS
MEMBRANES
NUCLEIC ACIDS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLANTS
POPULATIONS
POWER TRANSMISSION LINES
PRIMATES
RNA
SOLAR ACTIVITY
STORMS
VERTEBRATES