8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Brain & Nervous System

Electromagnetic millimeter waves increase the duration of anaesthesia caused by ketamine and chloral hydrate in mice.

Bioeffects Seen

Rojavin MA, Ziskin MC · 1997

View Original Abstract
Share:

Millimeter wave radiation at 61.22 GHz triggered opioid release in mouse brains, extending anesthesia duration by 50%.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed anesthetized mice to millimeter wave radiation at 61.22 GHz and found it extended the duration of anesthesia by approximately 50%. The effect was blocked when mice were pretreated with naloxone (an opioid blocker), suggesting the radiation triggers the release of the body's natural opioids. This demonstrates that millimeter wave exposure can directly alter brain chemistry and nervous system function.

Why This Matters

This study reveals a concerning biological mechanism: millimeter wave radiation can directly manipulate brain chemistry by triggering endogenous opioid release. The 61.22 GHz frequency falls within the range used by emerging 5G networks and military applications. What makes this research particularly significant is the clear dose-response relationship and the clever use of naloxone to identify the specific biological pathway involved. The science demonstrates that these frequencies don't just heat tissue - they actively interfere with neurotransmitter systems that regulate pain, mood, and consciousness. While the exposure levels (420 W/kg SAR) exceed typical consumer device limits, they're within ranges possible from focused beams or multiple device exposure. This adds to growing evidence that millimeter waves have distinct biological effects beyond simple heating.

Exposure Details

SAR
420 W/kg
Power Density
15 µW/m²
Source/Device
61.22 GHz
Exposure Duration
15 min

Exposure Context

This study used 15 µW/m² for radio frequency:

This study used 420 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 15 µW/m²Extreme Concern - 1,000 uW/m2FCC Limit - 10M uW/m2Effects observed in the Severe Concern rangeFCC limit is 666,667x higher than this level
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 61.22 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 61.22 GHzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

To investigate electromagnetic millimeter waves increase the duration of anaesthesia caused by ketamine and chloral hydrate in mice

BALB/c mice were injected i.p. with either ketamine 80 mg/kg or chloral hydrate 450 mg/kg. Anaesthet...

In combination with either of the anaesthetics used, mm waves increased the duration of anaesthesia ...

The data in this study indicates that exposure of mice to mm waves in vivo releases endogenous opioids or enhances the activity of opioid signalling pathway.

Cite This Study
Rojavin MA, Ziskin MC (1997). Electromagnetic millimeter waves increase the duration of anaesthesia caused by ketamine and chloral hydrate in mice. Int J Radiat Biol 72(4):475-480, 1997.
Show BibTeX
@article{ma_1997_electromagnetic_millimeter_waves_increase_1297,
  author = {Rojavin MA and Ziskin MC},
  title = {Electromagnetic millimeter waves increase the  duration of anaesthesia caused by ketamine and chloral hydrate in mice.},
  year = {1997},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9343112/},
}
PubMed: 9343112

Cited By (26 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, research shows millimeter wave radiation can directly alter brain chemistry. A 1997 study found that 61.22 GHz exposure extended anesthesia duration by 50% in mice by triggering the release of natural opioids in the brain.
Studies suggest millimeter waves can impact nervous system function. Research demonstrated that 61.22 GHz radiation altered brain chemistry by activating opioid pathways, extending anesthesia effects in laboratory animals by approximately 50%.
Millimeter wave radiation can influence brain chemistry, according to scientific research. One study found that exposure at 61.22 GHz triggered the release of natural opioids in the brain, significantly altering nervous system responses in test subjects.
Millimeter wave exposure appears to activate the brain's opioid system. Research showed that 61.22 GHz radiation increased natural opioid release or enhanced opioid pathway activity, demonstrating direct effects on brain neurochemistry and function.
Millimeter wave radiation can alter brain function by affecting opioid pathways. A controlled study found that 61.22 GHz exposure extended anesthesia duration by 50%, indicating the radiation directly influences brain chemistry and nervous system activity.