Heating of human tissues by micro wave radiation
Horvath SM, Miller RN, Hutt BK · 1948
This 1948 study established the fundamental science showing microwave radiation heats human tissues through energy absorption.
Plain English Summary
This 1948 study by Horvath examined how microwave radiation heats human tissues, investigating temperature gradients and thermal effects in the body. The research explored microwave diathermy applications and measured tissue temperature changes during exposure. This represents some of the earliest scientific investigation into how microwave energy interacts with human biology.
Why This Matters
This 1948 research represents a pivotal moment in EMF science - the first systematic investigation into how microwave radiation heats human tissues. While conducted for medical diathermy applications, Horvath's work established fundamental principles about microwave energy absorption that remain relevant today. The reality is that the same heating mechanisms studied in 1948 occur with modern wireless devices, just at lower power levels. What this means for you is that your smartphone, WiFi router, and microwave oven all operate on the same basic physics Horvath documented 75 years ago. The science demonstrates that microwave radiation doesn't just heat food - it heats all biological tissues, including yours, whenever you're exposed.
Figures from the Original Paper
Diagrams extracted from the original research document.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. Duration: 15 or 30 minutes
Study Details
To investigate the heating of human tissues by microwave radiation and determine the effectiveness of this method for deep tissue heating as a therapeutic tool.
Human subjects were exposed to microwave radiation from a magnetron tube oscillating at 2450 megacyc...
The temperature gradient from the surface of the thigh to a depth of 56 mm. is presented in Table 1....
Deep heating was readily accomplished by microwave radiation. The magnitude and depth of heating can be modified by varying directors and the power output of the generator. Maximum temperatures observed following a 15-minute period of heating utilizing a power output of 50 watts and a 6-inch director were 36.4°C at the surface, 44°C at subcutaneous levels, and 40°C in muscle tissue. The cooling curves were much more prolonged than expected, suggesting either no change or a small decrease in blood flow to the heated tissues. No increases in rectal temperature were observed. The heating was selective for local masses of tissue and the depth of heating can be modified by varying the power output and the type of director used.
Show BibTeX
@article{heating_of_human_tissues_by_micro_wave_radiation_g6628,
author = {Horvath SM and Miller RN and Hutt BK},
title = {Heating of human tissues by micro wave radiation},
year = {1948},
}