4. Investigation of the co-carcinogenicity of exposure to magnetic fields

Even if low-frequency magnetic fields are not carcinogenic according to current scientific knowledge, there is in principle the possibility that they could have a co-carcinogenic effect. In this regard, it should be examined whether magnetic fields can enhance the effect of carcinogenic environmental agents and substances (including ionizing radiation and certain chemicals). The conduct of animal studies and in vitro studies on the co-carcinogenicity of low-frequency magnetic fields was given high priority by the WHO in 2007 (WHO, 2007). Two studies by Soffritti et al. in Sprague-Dawley rats showed significantly increased incidence rates for several tumor types when the animals were exposed to 50 Hz magnetic fields and an additional dose of gamma radiation or formaldehyde in the drinking water (Soffritti et al. 2016, Soffritti et al. 2016). The studies are from the same working group and have not yet been independently replicated. Experimental in vitro studies mostly do not indicate a co-carcinogenic effect of magnetic fields (Gholipour Hamedani et al. 2022, Jin et al. 2015, Jin et al. 2014, Yoon et al. 2014, Lee et al. 2012).

Research project