Biological Effects on Rats of Chronic Exposure to 50-Hz Fields of Moderate Intensity

Abstract

The effect on developing male rats of chronic exposure to 50-Hz electromagnetic fields of 5 kv/m for 2-3 months was examined. The parameters measured were food and water intake, electrocardiogram and mortality rate. The animals exposed to the field ate and drank less. The electrocardiograms of the experimental animals showed higher amplitudes of the R and T waves. Survival time was not altered by field exposure. The results provide substantial evidence of the existence of physiological stress from total-body exposure, although the effects seem to be within physiological limits.