Science University Research Symposium (SURS)
Zebrafish Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields
Publication Date
2025
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Chemistry and Physics, Department of
SURS Faculty Advisor
Dr. Davon Ferrara
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (ELF-EMFs) are continuously emitted from powerlines and household outlets at 60 Hz. Although exposed to this type of non-ionizing radiation daily, health effects associated with ELF-EMFs have been a subject of debate. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) recommends a limited exposure threshold of 0.083 mT for a radiative frequency of 60 Hz to reduce potential negative reactions, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concludes static ELF-EMF exposure as non-carcinogenic while alternating fields may pose carcinogenic threats. Previously, we characterized the magnetic field of the coils with a direct current of 1.50 A to produce a field of 1.03 mT and constructed two incubation chambers calibrated to environmental conditions conducive for larvae growth. We placed zebrafish embryos in the apparatuses – one as a control without ELF-EMF exposure and one with the ELF-EMF exposure through the associated coils. No morphological effects were observed. The primary objective of this study was to replicate the commonly emitted ELF-EMFs. We applied an alternating current of 2.0 A at 60 Hz to Helmholtz coils to produce a strong, theoretical uniform magnetic field of 1.55 mT to zebrafish larvae over 7 days. The larvae and coils were placed in the formerly constructed incubation chamber, and larvae from the same collection were placed in the identical control chamber without Helmholtz coils. After a week of continuous ELF-EMF exposure, the embryos displayed no significant morphological changes from the control group. Future studies can focus less on structural changes and more on differing cellular responses to ELF-EMFs, such as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that promote regulated apoptosis or protective effects on neurodegenerative diseases.
Recommended Citation
Saif, Anne; Wolthers, Lucas D.; Laskey, Audrey G.; Berry, Jacob; Pittman, Mary C.; Park, Jinhee; and Ferrara, Davon W., "Zebrafish Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields" (2025). Science University Research Symposium (SURS). 267.
https://repository.belmont.edu/surs/267
