Microwave Exposure Safety Standards — Physiologic and Philosophic Aspects
Bioeffects Seen
Sol M. Michaelson · 1968
The 10 mW/cm2 standard is supported and recommended for general use.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
The most important biological effect of microwave exposure is the conversion of absorbed energy into heat. Thermal effects are well documented while evidence for nonthermal effects is only suggestive.
Why This Matters
Schwan first proposed the 10 mW/cm2 level in 1953 based on simple physiological considerations. Soviet standards are far lower, at 0.01 mW/cm2 for a full workday, and were based on psychological and neurasthenic responses not observed in the West.
Cite This Study
Sol M. Michaelson (1968). Microwave Exposure Safety Standards — Physiologic and Philosophic Aspects.
Show BibTeX
@article{microwave_exposure_safety_standards_physiologic_and_philosophic_aspects_g3742,
author = {Sol M. Michaelson},
title = {Microwave Exposure Safety Standards — Physiologic and Philosophic Aspects},
year = {1968},
}No DOI on file for this study.
Quick Questions About This Study
The most important effect is the conversion of absorbed microwave energy into heat.
The most commonly accepted standard in Western countries is 10 mW/cm2 based on physiologic and practical considerations.
Soviet standards are much lower at 0.01 mW/cm2 for an entire workday and were based on psychological and neurasthenic responses not observed in the West.
Evidence for nonthermal effects is at best only suggestive while thermal effects are well demonstrated and documented.
There is no documented evidence of injury to military personnel from radar operation and maintenance within prescribed microwave exposure limits.