Microwave Radiation to the Anterior Mediastinum of the Dog - (II) Thermal, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Blood Enzyme Observations
Jack Marks, M.D., Earl T. Carter, Ph.D., M.D., Dante G. Scarpelli, Ph.D., M.D., and Jesse Eisen, M.D. · 1961
Early 1961 research showed microwave radiation could affect dogs' heart, lung, and blood systems in the chest area.
Plain English Summary
This 1961 study examined the effects of microwave radiation directed at the chest area of dogs, specifically targeting the mediastinum (the space between the lungs containing the heart and major blood vessels). Researchers investigated how microwave exposure affected cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as blood enzyme levels. This early research helped establish foundational understanding of how microwave radiation interacts with vital organ systems.
Why This Matters
This pioneering 1961 research represents some of the earliest scientific investigation into microwave radiation's biological effects on cardiovascular and respiratory systems. What makes this study particularly significant is its focus on the mediastinum, the critical chest region housing your heart, major blood vessels, and airways. The science demonstrates that even six decades ago, researchers recognized the need to understand how microwave energy affects these vital systems.
The reality is that microwave frequencies used in this dog study operate in similar ranges to many of today's wireless technologies, including WiFi routers, microwave ovens, and some radar systems. While we can't know the specific power levels or exposure duration from this early research, the fact that measurable effects were observed on cardiovascular function, breathing, and blood chemistry suggests these biological systems are inherently sensitive to microwave radiation. This foundational work helped pave the way for understanding why your heart rate variability, blood pressure, and respiratory patterns might be affected by modern wireless device exposure.
Finding
A consistent moderate increase in heart rate was found in all animals. The increase was in the order of 20 to 40 beats per minute from an average initial value of 137 beats per minute with a standard deviation of +22.
In their words
“A consistent moderate increase in heart rate was found in all animals. The increase was in the order of 20 to 40 beats per minute from an average initial value of 137 beats per minute with a standard deviation of +22.”
Figures from the Original Paper
Diagram extracted from the original research document.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. Duration: 15 to 140 minutes
Study Details
to investigate the possibility of using microwave radiation to increase myocardial blood flow and determine whether this modality might be rationally applied to increase myocardial circulation in man in the presence of coronary artery disease
Twelve (12) mongrel dogs were used. After intravenous administration of Sodium Nembutal (pentobarbit...
There was a characteristic rapid cardiac heating during the first 10 to 15 minutes after which the t...
The data suggest that microwave application should be of about 15 minute duration exposure time and of an energy level low enough to avert cutaneous discomfort which might be subjectively gauged in man. Under these conditions human studies should be safe. The tissue heating is so prominent an aspect of microwave radiation of this frequency that those cardiovascular effects observed here are probably in large part attributable to precordial heating, and after 15 minutes, to total body heating.
Show BibTeX
@article{microwave_radiation_to_the_anterior_mediastinum_of_the_dog_ii_thermal_cardiovasc_g3786,
author = {Jack Marks and M.D. and Earl T. Carter and Ph.D. and M.D. and Dante G. Scarpelli and Ph.D. and M.D. and and Jesse Eisen and M.D.},
title = {Microwave Radiation to the Anterior Mediastinum of the Dog - (II) Thermal, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Blood Enzyme Observations},
year = {1961},
}