Effect of acute intermediate frequency electromagnetic field exposure on human neural cells

Novel technologies based on the emission of electromagnetic field (EMF) are spreading intensively and so as the public concerns about their possible health risks. Because the most adverse effects and carcinogenic influences are generally associated with extremely low EMF and radiofrequency, the majority of in vitro and in vivo studies is focused on cellular responses activated under these conditions. Only few studies had been realized on the biological effects or health risks of intermediate frequency (IF) fields. In this study, SH-SY5Y and T98G cell lines were exposed to 86 kHz IF-EMF for 30 minutes at 3 mT or 1.5 mT, respectively. To analyze IF- EMF impact on metabolic and mitotic activity of human neural cells, various biochemical and biological methods were used. IF- EMF exposure did not induce any significant changes in cell viability and proliferation as well as in DNA damage. Our results suggest that the possibility of acute long-term exposure in wireless power transfer devices with the properties of 86 kHz and 3 mT (i.e. 1.5 mT) is not harmful and does not cause cell stress responses.