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Comparative Studies on 1285 and 2800 Mc/sec Pulsed Microwaves

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Sol M. Michaelson, D.V.M., R. A. E. Thomson, M.T., and Joe W. Howland, PH.D., M.D. · 1965

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1965 dog study showed microwave frequencies near cell phone ranges cause blood damage with fewer obvious symptoms.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1965 study exposed dogs to microwave radiation at two different frequencies (1285 and 2800 MHz) and found direct correlations between radiation intensity and weight loss at both frequencies. The research revealed that blood cell changes and signs of distress varied by frequency, with 1285 MHz causing less obvious distress symptoms even when body temperatures reached dangerous levels.

Why This Matters

This early microwave study reveals a troubling pattern that remains relevant today: lower frequency EMF can cause biological damage while producing fewer obvious warning signs. The finding that 1285 MHz radiation caused blood cell destruction (reticulocytosis) while appearing less harmful than 2800 MHz should concern anyone using modern wireless devices. Today's cell phones operate in similar frequency ranges (around 800-2100 MHz), and this research suggests we may be experiencing biological effects without recognizing the distress signals. The study's observation that 'potential microwave hazards may be obscure at the lower frequency' is particularly significant given our widespread exposure to these frequencies through smartphones, WiFi, and other wireless technologies that operate in this range.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Sol M. Michaelson, D.V.M., R. A. E. Thomson, M.T., and Joe W. Howland, PH.D., M.D. (1965). Comparative Studies on 1285 and 2800 Mc/sec Pulsed Microwaves.
Show BibTeX
@article{comparative_studies_on_1285_and_2800_mc_sec_pulsed_microwaves_g3756,
  author = {Sol M. Michaelson and D.V.M. and R. A. E. Thomson and M.T. and and Joe W. Howland and PH.D. and M.D.},
  title = {Comparative Studies on 1285 and 2800 Mc/sec Pulsed Microwaves},
  year = {1965},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

The study tested two microwave frequencies: 1285 MHz and 2800 MHz. These frequencies are similar to modern cell phone and WiFi frequencies, making the findings relevant to current wireless technology exposure concerns.
Yes, the study found a direct correlation between microwave field intensity and body weight loss in dogs at both frequencies tested. Weight loss occurred at comparable field intensities regardless of frequency.
Dogs exposed to 1285 MHz microwaves at 20 mW/cm² daily developed reticulocytosis, indicating destruction of red blood cells. The degree of blood cell increases and decreases depended on frequency, intensity, and exposure duration.
Dogs showed less obvious signs of distress at 1285 MHz even when reaching dangerous body temperatures (106°F or higher). This suggested that lower frequency microwave hazards might be 'obscure' or harder to detect.
Dogs reached critical rectal temperatures of 106°F or greater during microwave exposure. However, signs of distress were less evident at 1285 MHz compared to 2800 MHz at these dangerous temperature levels.