Biological Effects of 60-Hz Electric Fields on Miniature Swine: Exposure Facility

Abstract

A facility for the exposure of miniature swine to vertical, 60-Hz, 30-kV/m electrical fields has been constructed. Exposed and sham-exposed colonies of swine are housed in separate, environmentally equivalent buildings. The electric field uniformity over the area of a swine stall is ±2.5% at ground-level and ±8% at the maximum height of a swine. The swine are not subject to spark discharges. The current between a drinking swine and its water nozzle is less than 20 μA. No levels of audible noise, hum, vibration, or ozone attributable to the high-voltage system have been detected. The total electric field harmonic distortion is 0.5%.