Date of Award
2008
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Medical Biophysics
Supervisor
Dr. Alex W. Thomas
Second Advisor
Dr. Frank S. Prato
Third Advisor
Dr. James P. McNamee
Abstract
Introduction: Due to electricity production, transmission and commercial and residential uses, humans are exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF- EMF). Based on results from human epidemiological reports, animal in vivo and cell in vitro studies on the chronic exposure to ELF-EMF, adverse health effects of ELF-EMF remain controversial. Objective and Methods: The aim of this pilot project was to examine and compare DNA damage and clastogenic effects detected by the alkaline comet assay and the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, respectively, in peripheral human blood lymphocytes collected from healthy adult volunteers before and after (whole-body) exposure to a 200 pT, 60 Hz ELF-EMF. Results: There was no significant difference between pre- and post-exposure samples (p>0.05). Moreover, magnetic field- exposed volunteers were not significantly different from sham-exposed subjects (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study found no evidence that an acute, whole-body exposure to the magnetic field could cause DNA damage in human lymphocytes.
Recommended Citation
Albert, Genevieve C., "DNA DAMAGE ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES AFTER WHOLE BODY EXPOSURE TO A SINUSOIDAL 60 Hz, 200 pT MAGNETIC FIELD" (2008). Digitized Theses. 4124.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4124