Lack of effect of electric field exposure on rats: A data re-evaluation

Abstract

Three recent investigations of the possible effects of 60 Hz electric fields on rats have yielded apparently contradictory results. While one group of investigators reported that chronic exposure to a 15 kV/m field caused several biological effects, the other two groups did not find these effects at 25 kV/m and 100 kV/m, respectively. A re-examination of the data from the 15 kV/m experiments indicates that the reported effects were probably artifacts due to improper statistical analysis and to a cage design which resulted in transient electric shocks (spark discharges) to the exposed rats. Hence, the results of all three investigations are consistent with a lack of biological effects from chronic exposure to 15–100 kV/m electric fields.