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Infrared and Microwave Effects on Skin Heating and Temperature Sensation

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E. HENDLER, J. D. HARDY · 1960

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Your body detects electromagnetic heating at rates as low as 0.001°C per second, suggesting sensitivity to even subtle wireless device warming.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed seven people's foreheads to controlled infrared and microwave heating while measuring skin temperature. They found that temperature sensations correlated with how fast skin temperature changed, not the absolute temperature itself. This suggests our temperature sensors respond to the rate of change rather than static heat levels.

Why This Matters

This 1960 study reveals something crucial about how our bodies detect electromagnetic heating that applies directly to today's EMF exposure concerns. The research shows our temperature sensors respond to rates of change as small as 0.001°C per second for warmth detection. What this means for you is that even subtle heating from wireless devices could potentially trigger physiological responses, even when the absolute temperature change seems negligible. The study found that people continued reporting temperature sensations even when no measurable skin temperature changes occurred, suggesting our bodies may be more sensitive to electromagnetic heating effects than standard measurement techniques can detect. This has significant implications for understanding how chronic, low-level EMF exposure from phones, WiFi, and other wireless devices might affect our thermal regulation systems over time.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
E. HENDLER, J. D. HARDY (1960). Infrared and Microwave Effects on Skin Heating and Temperature Sensation.
Show BibTeX
@article{infrared_and_microwave_effects_on_skin_heating_and_temperature_sensation_g3596,
  author = {E. HENDLER and J. D. HARDY},
  title = {Infrared and Microwave Effects on Skin Heating and Temperature Sensation},
  year = {1960},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

The study found warmth threshold required skin temperature rising at just 0.001°C per second, while cooling sensation needed 0.005-0.006°C per second temperature drop. These extremely small rates show remarkable sensitivity to thermal changes.
Yes, subjects continued reporting temperature sensations even when researchers couldn't detect any measurable skin temperature changes. This suggests human thermal sensors may be more sensitive than standard measurement equipment from that era.
Small, rapid skin temperature changes exceeding the threshold rates produced no sensation reports. Researchers theorized these quick changes only affected the most superficial skin layers, not reaching deeper temperature receptors.
Seven subjects had their forehead area exposed to controlled infrared and microwave heating while skin temperature was measured radiometrically. The forehead was chosen as a standardized location for consistent temperature monitoring.
The study shows our thermal sensors respond to heating rates as low as 0.001°C per second, suggesting potential sensitivity to subtle warming from phones, tablets, and other wireless devices against the skin.