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Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV): potentiation of lethality in mice by microwave radiation.

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Lange DG, Sedmak J · 1991

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Microwave radiation increased viral lethality by compromising the blood-brain barrier, suggesting RF exposure may enhance pathogen penetration into the brain.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed mice infected with Japanese encephalitis virus to microwave radiation at 2.45 GHz (the same frequency used in microwave ovens and WiFi). They found that microwave exposure made the viral infection significantly more deadly in a dose-dependent manner. The microwaves appeared to increase the permeability of blood vessels in the brain, allowing more virus to enter the central nervous system where it causes fatal damage.

Why This Matters

This study reveals a concerning interaction between microwave radiation and viral infections that deserves serious attention. The researchers used power densities of 10-50 mW/cm² - levels that overlap with exposures from cell phones held close to the head and other wireless devices. What makes this particularly significant is the mechanism identified: microwaves appear to compromise the blood-brain barrier, the critical protective boundary that normally prevents harmful substances from entering brain tissue. The reality is that if microwave radiation can enhance viral penetration into the central nervous system, this raises important questions about how RF exposure might affect our vulnerability to other pathogens or toxic substances. While this was an animal study from 1991, it provides biological plausibility for concerns about RF radiation's effects on barrier function in the body - effects that extend far beyond the heating that regulators focus on.

Exposure Details

SAR
24-98 W/kg
Power Density
10 - 50 µW/m²
Source/Device
2.45-GHz
Exposure Duration
continuous wave, 10-min exposure

Exposure Context

This study used 10 - 50 µW/m² for radio frequency:

This study used 24-98 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 10 - 50 µW/m²Extreme Concern - 1,000 uW/m2FCC Limit - 10M uW/m2Effects observed in the Severe Concern rangeFCC limit is 1,000,000x higher than this level
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 2.45 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 2.45 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

The aim of this study is to investigate Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV): potentiation of lethality in mice by microwave radiation.

A viremic stage occurs during the first 4 to 5 days after JEV administration in mice, and both micro...

Exposure to microwaves at power densities of 10-50 mW/cm2 resulted in a dose-dependent increase in J...

Cite This Study
Lange DG, Sedmak J (1991). Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV): potentiation of lethality in mice by microwave radiation. Bioelectromagnetics 12(6):335-348, 1991.
Show BibTeX
@article{dg_1991_japanese_encephalitis_virus_jev_1139,
  author = {Lange DG and Sedmak J},
  title = {Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV): potentiation of lethality in mice by microwave radiation.},
  year = {1991},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1750827/},
}
PubMed: 1750827

Cited By (25 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Research shows 2.45 GHz radiation (the same frequency as WiFi) can make viral infections more deadly. A 1991 study found this radiation increased death rates in mice with Japanese encephalitis virus by making brain blood vessels more permeable to the virus.
Yes, microwave radiation at 2.45 GHz significantly worsened brain infections in laboratory studies. The radiation appeared to increase blood vessel permeability in the brain, allowing more virus particles to enter and cause fatal damage to the nervous system.
Studies suggest 2.45 GHz radiation may compromise your body's ability to fight certain infections. Research found this frequency made viral infections significantly more lethal, possibly by altering how blood vessels in the brain respond to pathogens.
Microwave exposure at WiFi frequencies can make viral infections more severe and deadly. Research shows the radiation increases blood vessel permeability in the brain, creating pathways for viruses to penetrate the central nervous system more easily.
WiFi radiation may increase your vulnerability to certain viral infections. Laboratory studies found 2.45 GHz exposure made brain infections significantly more lethal by increasing blood vessel permeability, allowing viruses easier access to the nervous system.