molybdenum levels in the soft tissues, which accounted for less than 10% of the total body
molybdenum, were altered at even 10 µW/cm2.
The content of nickel in the various organs was influenced by each EMF intensity. It rose in
some tissues, and fell in others; the heart, which exhibited a sixfold increase, was the most strongly
affected tissue.
Trace element analysis has also been performed on rats exposed to low-frequency EMFs.
Following exposure to 1, 2, 4, 7, and 15 kv/m, 50 Hz, for 4 months (2 hr./day), significant changes
were found in the distributions of copper, molybdenum, and iron among the tissues, even at 1 kv/m, the
lowest field strength employed (23) (Table 8.5). In subsequent studies by the same authors, similar
changes were found after exposure to 7-15 kv/m for only 30 minutes/day (24).
Reproduction, Growth and Healing
Studies of the cells and organs of the reproductive system have revealed a general debilitating
effect of EMF exposure (25-30). Altered spermatogenesis was reported in rats following exposure to
5000 v/m, 50 Hz, for up to 4.5 months (25). After 1.5 months' exposure, the number of atypical sperm
cells was significantly greater in the exposed animals (30.7% vs. 15.9%, p<0.0I); the percentage of
pathological forms increased with the duration of exposure and reached 36.8% after 4.5 months. The
exposed rats also produced fewer sperm cells and exhibited a higher ratio of living to dead cells; both
effects became significant after 3.5 months. Comparison of the parameters of respiration and
phosphorylation of testicular mitochondria following 4.5 months' exposure revealed decreased
phosphorylatic respiration, speed of phosphorylation of ADP, and respiratory control.
Table 8.5. TRACE ELEMENTS IN RAT TISSUES FOLLOWING EXPOSURE AT 50 HZ
ELECTROMAGNETISM & LIFE - 108