Early Research on the Biological Effects of Microwave Radiation: 1940-1960
Harold J. Cook, Nicholas H. Steneck, Arthur J. Vander, Gordon L. Kane · 1980
The paper traces how medical diathermy and radar hazard concerns drove early microwave bioeffects research from 1940 to 1960.
Plain English Summary
The authors review how two factors, possible medical use of microwaves for diathermy and uncertainty about radar hazards, shaped early biological effects research. Hazard reports in the late 1940s and early 1950s led to near abandonment of medical diathermy research while military and industrial concern grew. This culminated in the Tri-Service program, a massive research effort from 1957 to 1960.
Why This Matters
The history effectively begins with radar development in World War II, which created the first widespread concerns about microwave exposure. Before radar, microwave energy levels were not high enough to cause general concern about harmful effects. The paper defines microwaves as electromagnetic radiation from 300 MHz to 300,000 MHz and uses milliwatts per square centimeter as the standard unit.
Show BibTeX
@article{early_research_on_the_biological_effects_of_microwave_radiation_1940_1960_g4732,
author = {Harold J. Cook and Nicholas H. Steneck and Arthur J. Vander and Gordon L. Kane},
title = {Early Research on the Biological Effects of Microwave Radiation: 1940-1960},
year = {1980},
}