Shiraz University in Iran has recently conducted a study to understand how much of an effect low frequency magnetic fields has on sperm counts as well as the overall appearance and function of the testicles.
The experiment saw male lab rats being exposed to low frequency magnetic fields – in this case, 50 Hz – for 85 days. Another set of male lab rats were placed in the same conditions, minus the low frequency magnetic field exposure.
Thorough tests were then run on both groups of lab rats and it was found that there were changes in the internal structure and functions of the testicles. There was also a significant reduction in sperm count. No changes were detected in the non-exposed lab rats.
Why is this study important?
The study concluded that “Prolonged exposure to 50 Hz EMF has an adverse effect on male fertility”.
Two points worthy of note here:
- the exposure levels used in the study were very low-level. These exposures are akin to the EMFs created by household wiring.
- the study was performed on rats but the conclusion is that these power line frequency EMFs have an adverse effect on male fertility. Rats are used because of their similarity to human biology
In 2002 the World Health Organization (WHO) classified low frequency magnetic fields as potentially carcinogenic to the human body.
Click here to read the full study.
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