EXPERIMENTAL CATARACT PRODUCED BY THREE CENTIMETER PULSED MICROWAVE IRRADIATIONS
A. W. Richardson, T. D. Duane, H. M. Hines · 1951
Scientists proved microwave radiation causes cataracts in 1951, establishing biological harm from EMF exposure decades before widespread consumer use.
Plain English Summary
This 1951 study investigated whether 3-centimeter pulsed microwave radiation could cause cataracts in rabbits through controlled laboratory exposure. The research examined eye damage from electromagnetic radiation, representing early scientific investigation into microwave effects on living tissue. This work helped establish that microwave radiation can indeed cause cataracts, contributing to our understanding of EMF biological effects.
Why This Matters
This research represents a landmark moment in EMF science - one of the first documented studies proving that microwave radiation can cause cataracts in living tissue. The fact that scientists were investigating microwave-induced cataracts as early as 1951 demonstrates that concerns about EMF health effects aren't new or unfounded. What makes this particularly relevant today is that we're now surrounded by microwave-emitting devices - from cell phones held near our faces to WiFi routers in our homes. While the specific frequency and power levels used in this 1951 study may differ from modern devices, the fundamental biological mechanism remains the same: microwave radiation can damage the delicate proteins in the eye's lens, leading to cataracts. The reality is that cataract formation from microwave exposure has been well-established in scientific literature for over 70 years, yet this knowledge rarely reaches public discussion about wireless device safety.
Finding
A direct, single exposure of rabbit eyes to 3 cm. pulsed microwaves (radar type) at 5 cm. distance and 67 watts average output resulted in opacities in the eye after a delay of two to 60 days. These opacities were found to occur inside the cornea and on the anterior segment of the lens. Such ocular damage often was accompanied with damage to the superficial extraorbital tissues.
In their words
“A direct, single exposure of rabbit eyes to 3 cm. pulsed microwaves (radar type) at 5 cm. distance and 67 watts average output resulted in opacities in the eye after a delay of two to 60 days. These opacities were found to occur inside the cornea and on the anterior segment of the lens. Such ocular damage often was accompanied with damage to the superficial extraorbital tissues.”
Figures from the Original Paper
Diagram extracted from the original research document.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. Duration: 3-5 minutes for first group, longer periods for second group
Study Details
To study the effectiveness of 3 cm. pulsed microwave radiations in the production of ocular damage and to determine possible hazards with the use of radar type wave generators.
The studies were divided into two units: (1) the irradiation of intact rabbit eyes in vivo to determ...
When 21 rabbits were irradiated by 3 cm. pulsed microwaves under the conditions delineated, 16 anima...
It is apparent from these studies that damage to the eye is possible in 3 cm. microwave fields such as are used in 'radar' work, if the energy intensity is of sufficient magnitude. However, since this pathological change is so closely accompanied with impairment to the more vascular superficial tissues containing normally adequate pain receptors, there is some question whether ocular damage is probable under most conditions. Nevertheless, one cannot exclude the possibility that a worker in close proximity to a low output over a long period or a high output over a short period may receive some permanent damage to the eye. Tests in the laboratory showed that the eyes could be protected from the high energy fields by covering the head or eyes with copper or bronze screen wire if cut to fit snugly to the skin surface. The correlation of temperature production with tissue impairment would point to elevated temperature as a major factor. The position of maximum absorption varies with wavelength when eye tissue is exposed to microwaves.
Show BibTeX
@article{experimental_cataract_produced_by_three_centimeter_pulsed_microwave_irradiations_g4845,
author = {A. W. Richardson and T. D. Duane and H. M. Hines},
title = {EXPERIMENTAL CATARACT PRODUCED BY THREE CENTIMETER PULSED MICROWAVE IRRADIATIONS},
year = {1951},
}