Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
Long-Term 2450-MHz CW Microwave Irradiation of Rabbits: Methodology and Evaluation of Ocular and Physiologic Effects
No Effects Found
A.W. Guy, P.O. Kramar, C.A. Harris, C.K. Chou · 1980
Six months of daily 2450 MHz microwave exposure showed no obvious health effects in rabbits, but biochemical changes were detected.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
Researchers exposed rabbits to 2450 MHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used in microwave ovens and early WiFi) at 10 mW/cm² for one hour daily over six months. Standard health measurements showed no significant effects on eyes, body weight, blood counts, or temperature compared to unexposed rabbits.
Cite This Study
A.W. Guy, P.O. Kramar, C.A. Harris, C.K. Chou (1980). Long-Term 2450-MHz CW Microwave Irradiation of Rabbits: Methodology and Evaluation of Ocular and Physiologic Effects.
Show BibTeX
@article{long_term_2450_mhz_cw_microwave_irradiation_of_rabbits_methodology_and_evaluatio_g6373,
author = {A.W. Guy and P.O. Kramar and C.A. Harris and C.K. Chou},
title = {Long-Term 2450-MHz CW Microwave Irradiation of Rabbits: Methodology and Evaluation of Ocular and Physiologic Effects},
year = {1980},
}Quick Questions About This Study
The rabbits were exposed to 10 mW/cm² of 2450 MHz microwave radiation daily. This is roughly 50 times stronger than typical WiFi router emissions and comparable to standing very close to a microwave oven.
Each rabbit received 60 minutes of 2450 MHz microwave exposure per day for 180 consecutive days (six months). This represented a substantial chronic exposure protocol for early EMF research.
No eye damage was observed in the rabbits after six months of daily 2450 MHz exposure. The researchers specifically examined ocular effects since microwaves can heat tissue and the eyes are particularly vulnerable.
Body mass, urinary output, rectal temperature, hematocrit, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, and blood coagulation studies all remained normal. These represent the basic physiological measurements available in 1980.
While standard health measurements showed no effects, the researchers noted that biochemical changes were detected and reported in a companion study. This suggests cellular-level effects occurred despite normal clinical markers.