Weak low frequency electromagnetic fields and chick embryogenesis: Failure to reproduce positive findings

Fertilised chicken eggs were incubated for 48 hours while exposed to pulsed trains of magnetic fields having a duration of 0-5 ms, a rise time of 42 μs, and a pulse repetition rate of 100 at a magnetic field flux density of 1 μT. Some eggs were exposed to 1552 rad X-rays as a positive control. After exposure the embryos were scored blind for a variety of morphological features. X-irradiated eggs displayed highly significant and repeatable anatomical alterations. There were no differences between magnetic field-exposed, sham-exposed and control eggs. Major support for the project was provided by the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation, whose members are: Central Hudson Gas and Electrical Corporation, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., New York Port Authority, New York State Electric and Gas Corporation, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation.