Life-span exposure to sinusoidal-50 Hz magnetic field and acute low-dose γ radiation induce carcinogenic effects in Sprague-Dawley rats

Abstract

Background In 2002 the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELFMF) as a possible carcinogen on the basis of epidemiological evidence. Experimental bioassays on rats and mice performed up to now on ELFMF alone or in association with known carcinogens have failed to provide conclusive confirmation.

Objectives To study the carcinogenic effects of combined exposure to sinusoidal-50 Hz (S-50Hz) magnetic fields and acute γ radiation in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods We studied groups of male and female Sprague-Dawley rats exposed from prenatal life until natural death to 20 or 1000 μT S-50Hz MF and also to 0.1 Gy γ radiation delivered as a single acute exposure at 6 weeks of age.

Results The results of the study showed significant carcinogenic effects for the mammary gland in males and females and a significant increased incidence of malignant schwannomas of the heart as well as increased incidence of lymphomas/leukemias in males.

Conclusions These results call for a re-evaluation of the safety of non-ionizing radiation.

Keywords:

• S-50Hz MF carcinogenicity
• cancer promotion
• Sprague-Dawley rats
• life-span bioassays
• breast cancer
• hemolymphopoietic neoplasias
• heart malignant schwannomas

Acknowledgements

We thank Professor Ivan Montanari who realized the apparatus to expose animals to the S-50Hz magnetic field and the personnel of the Laboratory of Histopathology of the CMCRC/RI for their committed efforts in the preparation of the slides.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper. They also declare that their funding sources had no direct role in the study design, data collection, analysis and interpretation of the data, in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the work.

Funding information

The research was supported by the Ramazzini Institute; Regional Agency for Prevention and the Environment Emilia-Romagna Region; UK Children With Cancer; Bologna Cassa di Risparmio Foundation; National Institute for Insurance Against Injuries at Work (INAIL, ex ISPESL); Foundation Del Monte of Bologna and Ravenna; and Municipality of Bologna.