Electromagnetic Field Toxicology Reporter

Evaluation and Assessment of Extremely Low Frequency EMF Bioeffects
Volume 2, Number 3, September 2000

Melatonin

by Robert B. Goldberg, Ph.D., Editor

Summary

If exposure to EMFs is to be associated with increased rates of cancer and leukemia, a mechanism of action must be found. One area attracting attention as a promising potential mechanism for EMF intervention in living organisms is mediation of a cancer-promoting effect of EMF by altered circadian rhythms of pineal activity and melatonin release. We reviewed four reports on EMF effects on melatonin levels. In the first report, researchers studied melatonin metabolite levels in electric utility workers exposed to ELF EMFs with different polarity characteristics. A second human study looked at the effect on melatonin production after limited repetitive exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields on volunteers who slept in the magnetic field exposure facility from 23:00 to 07:00 hr on 4 successive nights. In a third study from the University of Kuopio, Finland tried to determine whether daytime exposure to extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields suppresses nocturnal production of melatonin, as measured by overnight urinary excretion of its metabolite 6-OHMS in female garment workers. [four pages, 4 references].

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