Abstract
Purpose: A meta-analysis was conducted to obtain a 'quantitative' estimate of the extent of genetic damage in mammalian somatic cells exposed to non-ionizing radiation emitted from extremely low frequency electro-magnetic fields (ELF-EMF) and to compare with that in unexposed control cells. Methods: The methods used for the meta-analysis were recommended in several standard text books. Three specific variables related to ELF-EMF exposure characteristics were examined in the meta-analysis: (i) frequency (Hz), (ii) flux density (mT), and (iii) in occupationally exposed individuals. Result and conclusions: (1) The difference between ELF-EMF-exposed and control cells as well as the 'effect size' due to ELF-EMF exposure were biologically small (although statistically significant) with very few exceptions. (2) At certain ELF-EMF exposure conditions there was a statistically significant increase in genetic damage assessed from some end-points. (3) The mean indices for chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei end-points in ELF-EMF-exposed and control cells were within the spontaneous levels reported in historical database. (4) Considerable evidence for publication bias was found in the meta-analysis.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 196-213 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | International Journal of Radiation Biology |
| Volume | 85 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 2009 |
Keywords
- Chromosomal aberrations
- DNA strand breaks
- Electromagnetic fields
- Meta-analysis
- Micronuclei
- Sister chromatid exchanges
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging