Preference of Mice to Consume Food and Water in an Environment of High Magnetic Field

Abstract

Information on the biological capacity of mammals and other biosystems under anomalous conditions is necessary in assessing the biological cost of a task or occupation. The fact that man has resided in magnetic fields without experiencing obvious harmful effects should not preclude a detailed, systematic assessment of magnetic environments and their possible bioeffects. Interest in magnetic shielding of astronauts against cosmic radiation raises the question of bioeffects of strong magnetic fields. High-intensity magnetic fields can be expected in connection with ion and other advanced propulsion systems. Even with proper shielding and arrangement of such fields, the possibility of fringe and/or accidental exposure requires experience with bioeffects of high-intensity magnetic fields.⁽¹⁾

This work was supported by the General Dynamics Corp. IRAD program.