Biological Effects of Radio- and Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation
Ulrich H. Behling · 1969
Government scientists were studying EMF biological effects in 1969, decades before today's wireless explosion.
Plain English Summary
This 1969 government report by Ulrich Behling reviewed the biological effects of both radio frequency and low frequency electromagnetic radiation. The comprehensive analysis examined how nonionizing radiation affects living systems, representing early official recognition of potential EMF health impacts. This work helped establish the foundation for understanding electromagnetic field interactions with biological tissue.
Why This Matters
This 1969 government report represents a pivotal moment in EMF health research. At a time when wireless technology was just beginning to proliferate, government scientists were already investigating how electromagnetic radiation affects living systems. The fact that this was an official government analysis, not industry-funded research, gives it particular significance in the ongoing debate about EMF safety standards.
What makes this report especially relevant today is its broad scope, covering both radio frequencies (like those used in cell phones and WiFi) and low frequencies (like those from power lines and household wiring). The reality is that we're now exposed to exponentially higher levels of both types of radiation than existed in 1969, yet our safety standards remain largely based on research from this era.
Figures from the Original Paper
Diagram extracted from the original research document.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
To summarize the existing literature concerning the biological effects of various electromagnetic irradiations on biological specimens, particularly focusing on radio and low-frequency electromagnetic radiation.
The study found that electromagnetic radiation in the radio-frequency and very low-frequency range i...
There is sufficient evidence in the literature indicating that electromagnetic radiation in the radio-frequency and very low-frequency range is capable of producing thermal effects which are, therefore, absorbed dosage dependent as well as non-thermal effects which are field dependent and not necessarily related to heating. The current radiation protection guideline in this country for normal environmental conditions and for incident electromagnetic energy of frequencies from 10 MHz to 100,000 MHz has been set at 10 W/cm2 as averaged over any possible 0.1 hour period. More work is needed in the radio and very low frequency range to determine if the value of 10 mW/cm2 is extendable to frequencies below 10 MHz.
Show BibTeX
@article{biological_effects_of_radio_and_low_frequency_electromagnetic_radiation_g6853,
author = {Ulrich H. Behling},
title = {Biological Effects of Radio- and Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation},
year = {1969},
}