Meta-Analysis of Multi-Generational Studies of Mice Exposed to Power-Frequency Electric Fields

Abstract

Eight multi-generational studies involving mice exposed to 60-Hz electric fields, 0.5-100 kV/m were performed during the past 15 years to help evaluate potential health risks. A statistically significant influence of field exposure on development and variance in development occurred in all 8 experiments. There was an a posteriori probability of 0.304 that the field would alter development; the average effect on body weight was 6.6 ± 3.6%, and the respective probabilities for observing an increase and decrease in weight (compared with the controls) were 0.57 and 0.43. The a posteriori probability of the effect on variance was 0.367; increases and decreases in the field-exposed animals were equally probable. A significant effect on survival was observed in half the experiments. None of the reported effects exhibited a dose-response relationship.