Individual subject sensitivity to extremely low frequency magnetic field

It is becoming important to specify the smallest effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MF) on human physiology. One difficulty is that some people seem more sensitive and more responsive than others to MF exposure. Consequently, within- and between-subject differences have to be taken into account when evaluating these effects. As shown in previous work, human postural tremor is sensitive to MF exposure. But data about individual responses have not been examined in detail. Thus, postural tremor of 24 subjects was evaluated under ELF MF “on” and “off” conditions in a double-blind real/sham exposure protocol. The direction of the tremor changes was analyzed individually for three tremor characteristics. Results showed that subjects with high amplitude tremor seem to be more responsive to MF exposure. MF had an instantaneous effect (between “on” and “off” conditions) and also a more delayed and persistent one (between real and sham conditions), but differences were small. Moreover, due to the within- and between-subject variability, no statistical analysis could be done. However, these results do not show any potentially harmful effect of domestic or industrial 50 Hz MF on humans. They provide a starting point to orient future studies and should be taken into account in the establishment of new exposure limits.