Certain Physiologic and Pathologic Effects of Microwaves
J. F. Herrick, F. H. Krusen · 1953
Scientists documented harmful biological effects from microwave radiation in 1953, decades before wireless technology became widespread.
Plain English Summary
This 1953 study by Herrick and Krusen examined how microwave radiation affects animal physiology and causes tissue damage, focusing on heating effects and blood flow changes. The research explored both therapeutic applications in diathermy treatment and potential harmful effects from microwave exposure. This early work helped establish the foundation for understanding how microwave energy interacts with biological tissues.
Why This Matters
This pioneering 1953 research represents some of the earliest scientific investigation into microwave biological effects, conducted just as radar technology was transitioning to civilian applications. What makes this study particularly significant is its timing - researchers were already documenting physiological and pathological changes from microwave exposure decades before cell phones, WiFi, and microwave ovens became ubiquitous in our daily lives.
The focus on tissue heating, blood flow changes, and both therapeutic and harmful effects reveals that scientists understood microwave radiation's biological impact long before today's wireless revolution. While we don't have the specific exposure levels from this study, the very fact that researchers in 1953 were documenting 'pathologic effects' from microwaves should give us pause about our current unprecedented exposure levels from multiple wireless devices operating continuously in our homes and workplaces.
Figures from the Original Paper
Diagrams extracted from the original research document.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. Duration: 20 minutes for tissue heating experiments, 30 minutes for cataract studies, 10-30 minutes for temperature measurements
Study Details
To investigate the possible use of microwaves for therapeutic applications, specifically examining tissue heating, blood flow changes, and potential contraindications including cataract formation.
Experiments were conducted on experimental animals (trained dogs and rats) and human subjects. Equip...
Tissue temperatures suitable for therapy could be easily attained and maintained. Blood flow increas...
The primary physiologic effects of microwaves are due to heating. Electromagnetic energy in the microwave range is an excellent agent for use in therapy. However, the formation of cataracts was the most serious pathological effect observed. Microwaves should be applied with particular caution to the eye, ischemic tissues, regions with effusions, collections of fluid, pronounced edema, or bony prominences. The study demonstrated that temperatures optimal for medical diathermy can be easily attained and maintained, and that an increase in blood flow accompanies temperature increases.
Show BibTeX
@article{certain_physiologic_and_pathologic_effects_of_microwaves_g5119,
author = {J. F. Herrick and F. H. Krusen},
title = {Certain Physiologic and Pathologic Effects of Microwaves},
year = {1953},
}