8,655 Studies Reviewed. 86.9% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body

Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.

Brain & Nervous SystemPart of the Glaser Archive

NEUROENDOCRINE EFFECTS OF MICROWAVE RADIATION

No Effects Found

William C. Milroy · 1972

Share:

Early 1972 research investigated microwave radiation's effects on hormone systems, laying groundwork for understanding EMF's impact on thyroid function.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1972 conference paper examined how microwave radiation affects the neuroendocrine system in rats, specifically looking at thyroid function. The research was part of early investigations into biological effects of microwave exposure on hormone-producing glands. While specific findings aren't available, this represents foundational work studying EMF effects on critical body systems.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 2.45 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 2.45 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

To evaluate and correlate thyroid and thyrotropic activity in microwave exposed rats in an attempt to determine the mechanism by which thyroid function is altered.

Mature male rats were exposed to microwave radiation at 2450 MHz from a Raytheon Microtherm generato...

Behavioral changes were as would be expected for equivalent body heating of any type. At 100 mW/cm² ...

Based on the preliminary data, it would appear that no specific effect of microwave radiation on the hypophysio-thyroid axis can be demonstrated. Those effects which have been demonstrated can be adequately explained on the basis of heating. This is consistent with the thermal theory of microwave bioeffects rather than the direct neuroendocrine stimulation theory. Thorough analysis of the data is presently underway to determine the presence of any possible trends which may contradict this conclusion.

Cite This Study
William C. Milroy (1972). NEUROENDOCRINE EFFECTS OF MICROWAVE RADIATION.
Show BibTeX
@article{neuroendocrine_effects_of_microwave_radiation_g3832,
  author = {William C. Milroy},
  title = {NEUROENDOCRINE EFFECTS OF MICROWAVE RADIATION},
  year = {1972},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

The research specifically examined thyroid function in rats exposed to microwave radiation. The thyroid gland is part of the neuroendocrine system that regulates metabolism, growth, and development through hormone production.
Scientists were investigating biological effects of microwave technology as it began entering everyday use. Rats provide a good animal model for studying hormone system responses to electromagnetic radiation exposure.
This foundational work examined microwave frequencies similar to those used in today's WiFi, cell phones, and smart devices. It helped establish early understanding of EMF effects on hormone-producing glands.
The thyroid relies on precise cellular communication to regulate hormone production. Electromagnetic fields can interfere with these delicate signaling pathways that control metabolism, growth, and developmental processes.
This was when microwave technology was just beginning widespread adoption, yet scientists were already investigating biological effects beyond simple tissue heating. It represents early recognition of potential health implications.