Effects of whole body microwave exposure on the rat brain contents of biogenic amines.
Inaba R, Shishido K, Okada A, Moroji T. · 1992
View Original AbstractMicrowave radiation at WiFi-like frequencies altered brain neurotransmitter chemistry in rats, suggesting wireless devices may affect mood and cognitive function.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed rats to microwave radiation at 2450 MHz (the same frequency used in microwave ovens and WiFi) for one hour and measured changes in brain chemistry. They found that exposure altered the levels and processing of key brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including noradrenaline and dopamine metabolites, which are crucial for mood, attention, and brain function. These neurochemical changes occurred even at the lower power level tested.
Why This Matters
This study reveals that microwave radiation can disrupt the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, the chemical messengers that control everything from mood to cognitive function. The 2450 MHz frequency used here is identical to what powers your microwave oven and is close to frequencies used by WiFi, Bluetooth, and other wireless devices. What makes this research particularly significant is that neurochemical changes occurred at both exposure levels tested, suggesting the brain's chemistry is sensitive to RF radiation. The alterations in dopamine metabolism and noradrenaline levels point to potential impacts on attention, mood regulation, and stress response. While this is animal research, it adds to a growing body of evidence that RF exposure can affect brain function through mechanisms beyond simple tissue heating.
Exposure Details
- Power Density
- 5, 10 µW/m²
- Source/Device
- 2450 MHz
Exposure Context
This study used 5, 10 µW/m² for radio frequency:
- 500Mx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.1 μW/m²
- 8.3Mx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 0.0006 μW/cm²
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 Details
The effects of whole body microwave exposure on the central nervous system (CNS) of the rat were investigated.
Rats weighing from 250 to 320 g were exposed for 1 h to whole body microwave with a frequency of 245...
Microwave exposure at power densities of 5 and 10 mW.cm-2 increased the mean rectal temperature by 2...
Show BibTeX
@article{r_1992_effects_of_whole_body_1041,
author = {Inaba R and Shishido K and Okada A and Moroji T.},
title = {Effects of whole body microwave exposure on the rat brain contents of biogenic amines.},
year = {1992},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1396634/},
}