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Biological Interaction of Extremely-Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

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Biological Effects of Magnetic and Electromagnetic Fields

Concluding Remarks

Evidence is growing for a central role of cell membranes in the reception, transduction and amplification of signals imposed by ELF fields. A major challenge for the future will be the elucidation of specific molecular pathways through which these fields can influence transmembrane signaling events and affect the functional and proliferative states of cells and organized tissues. Of particular importance will be studies on possible mechanisms through which ELF fields may play a role in the development of tumors. At the present time there is little evidence for a promoting or copromoting effect of ELF magnetic fields on tumor development, with the possible exception of mammary tumors in which endocrine alterations resulting from field exposure may play an important role. Further research is needed to gain an understanding of the ELF signal characteristics that are the most biologically effective, and to define the threshold field parameters above which predictable biological responses occur. Recent laboratory studies have provided a number of clues on the pathways through which ELF fields may operate at the cellular and subcellular levels. However, a great deal of research lies ahead in order to fully characterize the molecular substrates of ELF field interactions and the resultant cascade of electrical and biochemical signals that lead to cellular and tissue responses, including possible carcinogenic effects.

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  1. Health Division, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, Washington

    T. S. Tenforde

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  1. University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

    Shoogo Ueno

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© 1996 Plenum Press

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Tenforde, T.S. (1996). Biological Interaction of Extremely-Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields. In: Ueno, S. (eds) Biological Effects of Magnetic and Electromagnetic Fields. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-585-31661-1_2

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