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Mortazavi SM, Taeb S, Dehghan N

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Authors not listed · 2013

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Military radar workers show faster reflexes but significantly impaired memory, proving high-power microwave radiation alters brain function.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers tested 100 military radar workers and 57 controls, measuring reaction times and memory performance. Workers exposed to radar radiation showed faster reaction times but significantly worse short-term memory across multiple tests. This study reveals that occupational radar exposure produces mixed cognitive effects - some potentially beneficial, others clearly harmful.

Why This Matters

This study breaks important ground by documenting measurable cognitive changes in military personnel exposed to high-power radar radiation. The faster reaction times might seem positive, but the substantial memory deficits paint a concerning picture. Workers scored 17% lower on forward digit span tests and 25% lower on backward digit span - these aren't subtle changes. What makes this particularly relevant is that radar operates at microwave frequencies similar to cell phones and WiFi, just at much higher power levels. While most of us aren't standing next to military radar systems, this research demonstrates that radiofrequency radiation can measurably alter brain function. The authors diplomatically describe both 'detrimental and non-detrimental' effects, but impaired memory capacity represents a serious occupational health concern that deserves immediate attention and protective measures.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2013). Mortazavi SM, Taeb S, Dehghan N.
Show BibTeX
@article{mortazavi_sm_taeb_s_dehghan_n_ce3392,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Mortazavi SM, Taeb S, Dehghan N},
  year = {2013},
  
  
}
PubMed: 23785684

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, radar workers had significantly faster reaction times - averaging 239 milliseconds compared to 292 milliseconds in the control group. This 18% improvement in reaction speed was statistically significant across 100 workers tested.
Radar workers performed worse on all memory tests. They scored 17% lower on forward digit span, 25% lower on backward digit span, 42% lower on word recognition, and 11% lower on paired word tests compared to unexposed controls.
Yes, the researchers state this is the first study to demonstrate that occupational radar microwave radiation exposure leads to decreased reaction time and lower short-term memory performance in military personnel.
Military radar transmitters emit high-power radiofrequency radiation by creating high-voltage, high-frequency alternating electrical currents. This produces microwave radiation at power levels much higher than consumer devices like cell phones.
While faster reflexes might seem positive for military tasks, they come with significant memory impairment. The researchers conclude these represent mixed effects - some potentially helpful, others clearly detrimental to cognitive function.