BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF MICROWAVE RADIATION - A Review of Hazards
Wellington Moore, Jr., D.V.M., Ph.D. · 1968
This 1968 government report established early scientific recognition of microwave radiation's biological hazards decades before widespread wireless technology adoption.
Plain English Summary
This 1968 government report by Dr. Wellington Moore reviewed the biological hazards of microwave radiation exposure. The study examined existing research on how microwave frequencies affect living organisms and identified potential health risks. This early scientific assessment helped establish the foundation for understanding microwave radiation's biological effects.
Why This Matters
This 1968 government report represents a pivotal moment in EMF health research. Dr. Moore's review came at a time when microwave technology was rapidly expanding in military and civilian applications, yet the biological consequences remained poorly understood. The science demonstrates that even 55 years ago, researchers recognized the need to systematically evaluate microwave radiation hazards. What makes this particularly significant is the timing - this assessment preceded the widespread deployment of microwave ovens, radar systems, and eventually wireless communications by decades. The reality is that this early government acknowledgment of microwave biological effects established scientific precedent for ongoing health concerns about these frequencies, which now saturate our environment through WiFi, cell phones, and countless wireless devices operating in similar frequency ranges.
Finding
Although this study revealed no evidence of radar-induced pathology in human beings, somewhat later studies utilizing experimental animals revealed that cataracts, corneal opacities, testicular degeneration and hemorrhagic phenomena could be produced by exposure to microwaves.
In their words
“Although this study revealed no evidence of radar-induced pathology in human beings, somewhat later studies utilizing experimental animals revealed that cataracts, corneal opacities, testicular degeneration and hemorrhagic phenomena could be produced by exposure to microwaves.”
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
To review the biological effects of microwave radiation and present information from a literature review pertaining to the nature of biological effects, with the goal of providing a guide for those concerned with potential hazards of microwaves.
This is a review of literature on biological effects of microwave radiation. The study analyzes expe...
The study found that microwave radiation primarily causes biological effects through heating (hypert...
The report concludes that while the biological effects of microwaves have been studied, certain areas such as cumulative effects from subthreshold exposures, functional changes from low intensity irradiation, and possible nonthermal changes need further clarification. Large gaps exist in current knowledge of possible genetic implications and long-term effects on humans. The study recommends maximum safe exposure limits of 10 mW/cm² for continuous whole body exposure, though this is not universally accepted.
Show BibTeX
@article{biological_aspects_of_microwave_radiation_a_review_of_hazards_g4651,
author = {Wellington Moore and Jr. and D.V.M. and Ph.D.},
title = {BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF MICROWAVE RADIATION - A Review of Hazards},
year = {1968},
}