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Absence of Electromagnetic Pulse Effects on Monkeys and Dogs

No Effects Found

F. G. Hirsch, M.D. and A. Bruner, Ph.D. · 1972

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1972 study found no biological effects from electromagnetic pulses in monkeys and dogs using Van de Graaff generator.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1972 study by Hirsch tested whether electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) from a Van de Graaff generator caused biological effects in monkeys and dogs. The research found no observable effects from the EMP exposures. This early work helped establish baseline data on high-intensity, short-duration electromagnetic field exposure in mammals.

Figures from the Original Paper

Diagrams extracted from the original research document.

diagramPage 1 - Aerial view of the 'ALEC' EM pulsing facility.
p. 1 of the original PDF
diagramPage 2 - Fig. 3: Circuit diagram and equivalent circuit of a typical EMP generator.
p. 2 of the original PDF
graphPage 3 - AI-described figure: Figure 7. Curves showing relationship between peak voltage and field density.
p. 3 of the original PDF
chartPage 4 - Fig. 8 - Curves showing radiative electric field due to lightning stroke as calculated by several authors.
p. 4 of the original PDF
graphPage 5 - Figure 10. - The equation derived by D. J. Malan to calculate the charge transference during a lightning stroke.
p. 5 of the original PDF
graphPage 6 - Fig. 12: Electrical field density (kV/m) vs. distance from a typical lightning stroke using data for only the first kilometer.
p. 6 of the original PDF
diagramPage 7 - AI-described figure: Figures 14 and 16 show a maze used in rat experiments and photographs of an operantly conditioned monkey performing in a pulsed field, respectively.
p. 7 of the original PDF

Study Details

To determine whether electromagnetic pulses affect behavior and physiology in monkeys and dogs

Monkeys (stumptail macaque and rhesus) and dogs (Dalmatians) were exposed to electromagnetic pulses....

No behavioral alterations were observed in either monkeys or dogs following exposure to EMPs. The st...

The study demonstrated no observable behavioral or physiological effects in two monkeys and four dogs exposed to electromagnetic pulses. The absence of effects under these test conditions implies that EMPs are more innocuous than dangerous. However, the study investigated only single pulse exposures with few repetitions over a short period of time.

Cite This Study
F. G. Hirsch, M.D. and A. Bruner, Ph.D. (1972). Absence of Electromagnetic Pulse Effects on Monkeys and Dogs.
Show BibTeX
@article{absence_of_electromagnetic_pulse_effects_on_monkeys_and_dogs_g91,
  author = {F. G. Hirsch and M.D. and A. Bruner and Ph.D.},
  title = {Absence of Electromagnetic Pulse Effects on Monkeys and Dogs},
  year = {1972},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

The study tested both monkeys and dogs for biological responses to electromagnetic pulse exposure. These mammalian species were chosen to provide relevant data about potential effects in higher-order animals with physiology more similar to humans.
Researchers used a Van de Graaff generator to create the electromagnetic pulses. This device produces high-voltage static electricity and can generate intense electromagnetic fields, making it suitable for studying acute exposure effects.
EMPs are extremely high-intensity, short-duration electromagnetic bursts, while wireless devices produce continuous, lower-intensity radiofrequency radiation. The exposure patterns, frequencies, and biological interaction mechanisms are fundamentally different between these two types of electromagnetic fields.
This early research established baseline data on electromagnetic field effects in mammals and demonstrated scientific methods for studying EMF bioeffects. It helped lay groundwork for the extensive EMF research that followed in subsequent decades.
The study reported an absence of biological effects from the electromagnetic pulse exposures in both monkeys and dogs. No observable physiological changes or adverse health impacts were detected in the test animals.