State of knowledge on biological effects at 40–60 GHz

Abstract

In vivo and in vitro studies Mots-clés : Ondes millimétriques Effets biologiques Études in vivo et in vitroMillimetre waves correspond to the range of frequencies located between 30 and 300 GHz. Many applications exist and are emerging in this band, including wireless telecommunications, imaging and monitoring systems. In addition, some of these frequencies are used in therapy in Eastern Europe, suggesting that interactions with the human body are possible. This review aims to summarise current knowledge on interactions between millimetre waves and living matter. Several representative examples from the scientific literature are presented. Then, possible mechanisms of interactions between millimetre waves and biological systems are discussed.

Safe for Generations to Come: Considerations of Safety for Millimeter Waves in Wireless Communications

“…Thus, they hypothesize that the apparent beneficial effects of mmWaves in cancer treatments were due to indirect effects. It was proposed that mmWaves could stimulate the immune system, which could in turn remove the tumor via mechanisms already well known and used in immunotherapy [98]. …”

“…The mechanisms of mmWave on biological membranes remain unknown, but it is conceivable that the mmWave radiation can interfere with the orientation of charged and dipolar molecules in the membranes. If such a change modified the neural membrane's permeability, it could stimulate neuron endings or affect the electric signal transmitted to the rest of the body, thus modifying environmental perception, including pain sensation [98]. However, reorientation of large dipolar molecules by applied oscillating EMFs, even when they are free to rotate and are not bound by other molecules as in a membrane, is not known to occur above the low-megahertz regime, and would be hard to explain by currently understood mechanisms of interaction [7].…”

“…The effects of mmWaves on the immune system have been thoroughly studied, and several works report that mmWaves can enhance the human immune system [42], [98], [103]. Makar et al [104] reported that mmWaves can inhibit CPA-induced suppression of T-cells’ activation and proliferation.…”

Non-thermal Influence of A Weak Microwave on Nerve Fiber Activity

“…However, a clear understanding of the mechanism of interaction of microwave with the cells has not been achieved. As example, let us quote from a recent review [9]: "The energy of MiliMeterWave radiation is too low to directly disrupt any biochemical interaction, such as van der Waals or hydrogen bonds. Only a resonance-type interaction might lead to an appreciable biological effect.…”

“…[4,5] are expressed in cardiac and muscle cells and Nav1. [7,8,9] are expressed in the peripheral nervous system. Nav1.6 is expressed at the action potential initiation site [29][30][31] A few years ago, it has been proposed to increase the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation used for telecommunications up to 30-300 GHz.…”