EFFECTS OF 50-HZ SINUSOIDAL MAGNETIC-FIELDS AND SPARK DISCHARGES ON HUMAN-LYMPHOCYTES IN-VITRO

Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were exposed in vitro to 50 Hz sinusoidal magnetic fields of 30 mu T, 300 mu T, and 1 mT, and were monitored for genotoxic effects. No effects on chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei or proliferation indices were noticed. A weak effect on sister chromatid exchanges, noted in one series of experiments, could not be verified when the series was repeated. Exposure of whole blood to spark discharges of up to 3.65 kV cm(-1) and 2.6 mu s duration (10 pulses) did not result In chromosomal aberrations. Cell destruction from spark discharges was extensive. The conductivity of blood during a spark discharge pulse was examined and was shown to decrease by a factor of 2-3 at the beginning of the pulse owing to the beta-relaxation of cells. After 0.5 mu s the conductivity approached a constant level.