Biological Effects of Microwave Radiation

Abstract

Concern over the possible hazards of cxposurc to microwave radiation has lately been on the incrcase. Increasing industrial and commercial use of microwave generators for heating and cooking, increasing power of radar scts, and expansion of the broadcasting industry have resulted in more widespread interest in the possible biological eKccts of these electromagnetic radiations. A critical review of the literature on biological effects ofmicrowave irradiation is presented along with an analysis of the present status of standards and hazard evaluation.

Effects of Exposure to Microwaves: Problems and Perspectives

“…For more detailed discussion of these and other aspects of microwave bioeffects, reviews by the author and his associates should be consulted (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29).…”

“…Zaret (42,43) While some of the epidemiological surveys may indicate a statistically significant increase in lenticular defects in microwave workers, none has shown any clinically significant defects in terms of decreased visual acuity. The scoring methods used for both degree of exposure and lenticular defects in all cases were not particularly sound, and their validity has been questioned (27). Lenticular opacities have also been noted to appear at the positions of existing microscopic congenital changes and, on reaching a certain magnitude, progress no further even when there is no change in the occupational setting (110).…”

Biological Effects and Health Implications of Radiofrequency Radiation

“…Although some investigators and reviewers still question the interpretation of these so-called nonthermal effects (Michaelson, , 1974aMilroy and Michaelson, 1971;Sher et al, 1970), several support nonthermal interactions between tissues and electric and magnetic fields (Kholodov, 1966;Gordon, 1955;.…”

Lenticular and Retinal Changes Secondary to Microwave Exposure

“…However, non thermal effects have been suggested and there is still a great deal of controversy on this subject (Michaelson et al 1967, Cleary 1970, Milroy et al 1971, Roth 1968, Dodge et al 1966, Presman 1965, Presman 1970, Turner 1962, Dodge 1965, Gordon 1960, Tolgskaya et al 1960, Osipov 1965, Livshits 1957, Livshits 1967, Gorodetskaia 1963, Gorodetskaia 1964, Kevorkyan 1948, Levitina 1964, Lobanova 1960, Minecki 1961a, b, Presman et al 1961, Sadchikova et al 1958, Subbota 1957, Tyagiii 1957, Vavala 1968). However, non thermal effects have been suggested and there is still a great deal of controversy on this subject (Michaelson et al 1967, Cleary 1970, Milroy et al 1971, Roth 1968, Dodge et al 1966, Presman 1965, Presman 1970, Turner 1962, Dodge 1965, Gordon 1960, Tolgskaya et al 1960, Osipov 1965, Livshits 1957, Livshits 1967, Gorodetskaia 1963, Gorodetskaia 1964, Kevorkyan 1948…”

“…The biological effect of microwaves has been very thoroughly investigated in many places but especially in the Triservice Program , Michaelson et al 1967, Pattishall 1957, Pattishall et al 1958, Peyton 1961, Susskind 1959, Cleary 1970, Milroy et al 1971, Roth 1968.…”