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Effects of Microwave Exposure on Behavior and Related Phenomena

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Thompson, William D., Bourgeois, Anthony E. · 1965

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Military researchers identified behavioral effects from microwave radiation over 50 years ago, highlighting long-standing scientific concerns.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1967 military-commissioned review examined existing research on how microwave radiation affects behavior and brain function. The authors compiled all available studies on microwave effects in living organisms and identified gaps in understanding how these fields distribute energy in the body and influence behavioral processes.

Why This Matters

This document represents a pivotal moment in EMF research history. In 1967, military researchers were already concerned enough about microwave radiation's behavioral effects to commission comprehensive literature reviews. The reality is that concerns about microwave radiation affecting brain function and behavior aren't new - they've been documented for over half a century. What's particularly telling is that this review identified significant gaps in understanding how microwave energy distributes throughout the body and affects the physiological processes that control behavior. Today, we're surrounded by microwave-emitting devices - WiFi routers, cell phones, Bluetooth devices - operating at power levels and exposure durations that weren't even considered in 1967. The science demonstrates that the military and government agencies have long understood the potential for microwave radiation to influence biological systems, yet public awareness of these effects remains limited.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Thompson, William D., Bourgeois, Anthony E. (1965). Effects of Microwave Exposure on Behavior and Related Phenomena.
Show BibTeX
@article{effects_of_microwave_exposure_on_behavior_and_related_phenomena_g6027,
  author = {Thompson and William D. and Bourgeois and Anthony E.},
  title = {Effects of Microwave Exposure on Behavior and Related Phenomena},
  year = {1965},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Military researchers recognized potential national security implications of microwave radiation affecting human behavior and brain function. They needed comprehensive understanding of these effects for both defensive and offensive applications during the Cold War era.
The review compiled existing evidence showing microwave radiation could influence physiological processes underlying behavior, though specific behavioral changes aren't detailed in the available abstract. The authors found enough concerning evidence to warrant future research direction.
Modern WiFi operates in the same microwave frequency ranges studied in 1967, but at much higher exposure levels and durations. Today's constant exposure from multiple devices represents scenarios not considered in early military research.
Researchers identified insufficient understanding of how microwave energy distributes throughout living organisms and how these fields affect the physiological processes that control behavior. Many of these knowledge gaps persist today despite decades of additional research.
This appears to be an internal military memo, suggesting sensitive nature of the research. The fact that behavioral effects of microwave radiation warranted military attention indicates recognition of potential applications beyond civilian safety concerns.