In vivo genotoxicity of high-intensity intermediate frequency magnetic fields in somatic cells and germ cells

Abstract

Abstract Intermediate frequency magnetic fields (IF-MFs) at ~85 kHz are one of the components of wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. However, the available data needed for the assessment of the safety of organisms from IF-MF exposure are scarce. Thus, there is an imminent need to accumulate evidence-based assessment data. In particular, if humans are exposed to IF-MF due to an accident or trouble, they are at increased risk of being exposed to high-intensity IF-MF within a short period. The already existing exposure system was improved to a system that could intermittently expose animals at 3 s intervals. This system allows the exposure of a mouse to high-intensity IF-MF (frequency: 82.3 kHz; induced electric field: 87 V/m, which was 3.8 times the basic restriction level for occupational exposure in the ICNIRP guideline), while regulating the heat generated by the coil. In vivo genotoxicity after IF-MF exposure was assessed using micronucleus (MN) test, Pig-a assay, and gpt assay. The results of MN test and Pig-a assay in hematopoietic cells revealed that neither the reticulocytes nor the mature erythrocytes exhibited significant increases in the IF-MF-exposed group compared with that in the sham-exposed group. In germ cells, MN test and gpt assay outcomes showed that IF-MF exposure did not cause any genetic or chromosomal abnormality. Based on these data, there was no genotoxic effect of our set IF-MF exposure on somatic and germ cells. These findings can contribute to the widespread use of WPT systems as effective data of IF-MF safety assessment.