Duan L, Shan Y, Yu X · 1998
Chinese researchers tested brain function in workers exposed to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation using standardized tests recommended by the World Health Organization. They found that exposed workers scored significantly lower on multiple brain performance measures compared to unexposed controls, and these changes correlated with symptoms of neurasthenia (a condition involving mental fatigue and cognitive difficulties). This suggests that occupational exposure to high-frequency EMF can measurably impair cognitive function.
Bergdahl J, Tillberg A, Stenman E. · 1998
Swedish researchers examined 28 patients who reported health symptoms they believed were caused by electricity or computer screens (visual display units). The study found these patients had various dental and oral health problems, including jaw dysfunction, mouth burning, and reduced saliva production. While the study couldn't prove electricity caused these symptoms, it suggests that dental health issues might contribute to the suffering experienced by people who report electrical sensitivity.
Unknown authors · 1997
Researchers studied 163 visual display terminal (VDT) workers in Sweden to investigate facial skin symptoms. They found that psychosocial workplace stress, especially lack of social support, increased skin complaints, and this stress appeared to interact with electric fields from computer equipment to worsen symptoms.
Unknown authors · 1997
Researchers studied 163 office workers using visual display terminals (old computer monitors) to understand why some developed facial skin symptoms. They found that workplace stress and lack of social support increased skin problems, and these psychological factors appeared to interact with electric fields from the equipment to worsen symptoms.
Schilling, CJ · 1997
Researchers documented what happened to three antenna engineers who were accidentally exposed to high-level radiofrequency radiation (785 MHz) while working on a television mast. The men immediately felt intense heating in exposed body parts, followed by headaches, numbness, nausea, diarrhea, and skin redness, with chronic headaches persisting in the most exposed areas of their heads. This case study provides direct evidence that RF radiation can cause immediate and lasting health effects in humans at high exposure levels.
Riu PJ, Foster KR, Blick DW, Adair ER, · 1997
Researchers measured how much microwave radiation it takes for people to feel warmth on their skin at frequencies from 2.45 to 94 GHz. They found that humans can detect a temperature increase as small as 0.07 degrees Celsius at the skin surface, and this sensitivity works the same way whether the heat receptors are right at the surface or up to 0.3 millimeters deep. This study helps establish the minimum power levels where people begin to feel thermal effects from microwave exposure.
Blick DW et al. · 1997
Researchers tested how much microwave energy triggers warmth sensations on human skin at different frequencies. Higher frequency microwaves (94 GHz) required ten times less power than microwave oven frequencies (2.45 GHz) to produce warmth, showing skin sensitivity increases dramatically with frequency.
Andersson B, Berg M, Arnetz BB, Melin L, Langlet I, Lidén S. · 1996
Swedish researchers studied 17 people who claimed to be electrically hypersensitive, testing whether psychological treatment could help their symptoms. While the treatment group reported feeling less disabled by their condition, neither group showed any actual physiological reactions to electromagnetic field exposure in double-blind tests. This suggests that while the symptoms are real and distressing, they may not be directly caused by EMF exposure itself.
Unknown authors · 1994
Researchers conducted provocation tests on two patients who claimed to suffer skin problems from computer screen exposure. The study found high numbers of specific immune cells (mast cells and somatostatin-positive cells) in skin biopsies, with changes occurring after TV screen exposure. The authors suggest these cellular changes may explain symptoms like itching, pain, swelling and redness that some people experience around electronic displays.
Unknown authors · 1982
This 1982 government report documented radiation incidents involving visual display terminals (VDTs), the early computer monitors used in offices. The registry tracked health complaints including cataracts, eye strain, and headaches reported by workers using these devices. This represents one of the earliest systematic efforts to monitor occupational health effects from electronic display technology.
Charles Wallach · 1982
This 1982 study examined health complaints from computer and TV screen operators, finding DC voltage gradients up to 50,000 volts per meter between users' faces and screens. Researchers linked common symptoms like headaches, eye irritation, and pregnancy complications to the screens' positive electrical charge disrupting natural air ions.
Charles Wallach · 1982
This 1982 study examined health effects from cathode ray tube (CRT) displays used in computers, televisions, and video games. Researchers found that CRT screens create electrical fields up to 50,000 volts per meter near users' faces and linked these displays to eye irritation, headaches, nausea, and pregnancy complications. The study suggested that positive electrical charges from CRT screens disrupt natural air ions, creating an unhealthy breathing environment for operators.
R. C. Petersen, M. M. Weiss, G. Minneci · 1980
This 1980 study measured electromagnetic emissions from video display terminals (VDTs) across frequencies from 10kHz to 18GHz to investigate health concerns like 'editor's cataract.' Researchers found emission levels far below safety standards and concluded VDTs pose no electromagnetic health risks. Eye strain and fatigue were attributed to lighting, glare, and ergonomic factors rather than radiation.
Michaelson SM · 1978
This 1978 case study documented a postmastectomy patient who experienced sensitivity to microwave oven radiation in the area where surgery had been performed. The research explored how surgical sites might create heightened vulnerability to electromagnetic field exposure. This represents early clinical evidence that tissue damage or surgical trauma could increase EMF sensitivity.
Charles Burton, MD · 1976
This 1976 research by Burton examined transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a pain relief method, exploring how controlled electrical currents applied through the skin can reduce pain perception. The study represents early work in understanding how electrical fields can therapeutically interact with human nerve function. This research helped establish the foundation for modern TENS therapy devices used in pain management.
James L. Mason, Neilson A. M. MacKay · 1976
Researchers investigated why electrical stimulation through the skin often causes sharp, pricking pain. They discovered the pain results from thermal damage to the skin's outer layer caused by high energy concentrations at uneven skin-electrode contact points. The study found this pain can be controlled through proper electrode application techniques without using conductive gels.
A. I. Kleyner et al. · 1975
This 1975 Soviet study examined clinical symptoms in humans exposed to metric range electromagnetic fields (radio frequencies between 1-10 meters wavelength). The research documented unfavorable health effects from this type of RF exposure, representing early clinical evidence of EMF-related health impacts. This work predates modern wireless technology but provides historical context for understanding RF bioeffects.
A. I. Kleyner et al. · 1975
This 1975 Soviet clinical study examined people experiencing health problems from metric range electromagnetic fields (radio frequencies between 1-10 meters wavelength). The researchers documented various adverse health effects in humans exposed to these RF frequencies. This represents early medical recognition that radio frequency radiation can cause clinical symptoms in people.
Galanin, N.F., et al · 1973
This 1973 study investigated work conditions for radar operators and examined fatigue effects from occupational radar exposure. The research focused on both general fatigue and eye fatigue experienced by workers operating radar equipment, along with potential preventive measures to protect operator health.
Otto H. Schmitt, Robert D. Tucker · 1973
Researchers tested whether 50 people could consciously or subconsciously detect 60 Hz magnetic fields at household appliance strength (few gauss). Initially some subjects showed remarkable detection abilities, but when acoustic noise and other environmental cues were eliminated, virtually no one could reliably sense the magnetic fields.
Budd Appleton · 1973
This 1973 government report documented clinical surveys examining microwave radiation's effects on human eyes. The research investigated eye-related health problems in people exposed to microwave radiation, likely including military personnel and industrial workers. This early study helped establish the foundation for understanding microwave radiation's impact on one of our most sensitive organs.
Dr Albert Krueger · 1973
Dr. Albert Krueger's 1973 research examined how air ion concentrations affect human health and comfort. The study found that ion-depleted indoor air may cause anxiety, discomfort, reduced efficiency, and increased respiratory infection risk. Positive ion excess was linked to the ill effects of notorious winds like the Sharav and Föhn.
John de Lorge · 1973
Researchers exposed two rhesus monkeys to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic and electric fields at 45 Hz and 10 Hz to test behavioral effects. The study found no significant changes in reaction time, operant responding, or cognitive tasks. Even minor effects observed at 10 Hz were not clinically meaningful and couldn't be replicated.
Nicholas Wade · 1972
This 1972 article examined allegations that the Soviet Union used microwave devices to influence American chess champion Bobby Fischer during his historic world championship match against Boris Spassky. The investigation explored whether microwave radiation could cause 'asthentic syndrome' (fatigue and concentration problems) to disrupt Fischer's performance.
Nicholas Wade · 1972
This 1972 study examined allegations that low-intensity microwave radiation was used to induce 'asthenic syndrome' (fatigue, weakness, and cognitive impairment) during the famous Fischer-Spassky chess championship. The research investigated whether microwave exposure could deliberately cause neurological symptoms as suggested in the Cold War-era chess match controversy.
