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Report of preliminary measurements of electromagnetic radiation fields near microwave ovens, TSB No 5

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Solem DL, Remark DG, Moore RL, Crawford RE, Rechen HJL · 1968

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This 1968 study pioneered measurement of microwave oven radiation leakage, establishing early safety research precedents.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1968 technical report documented early measurements of electromagnetic radiation fields around microwave ovens, representing some of the first systematic research into microwave leakage from consumer appliances. The study was conducted during the early adoption period of microwave ovens in American homes, when safety standards were still being developed.

Why This Matters

This report represents a pivotal moment in EMF safety research - the recognition that consumer microwave devices could leak radiation into living spaces. Published just as microwave ovens were entering American kitchens, this work helped establish the foundation for current FDA leakage standards (5 milliwatts per square centimeter at 2 inches). What makes this particularly relevant today is how it demonstrates the pattern we see repeatedly: new EMF technologies enter the market first, safety research follows later. The reality is that microwave ovens still leak radiation within legal limits, and many units exceed standards as they age or sustain damage. This early research showed the importance of measuring actual exposures rather than assuming perfect containment - a principle that applies equally to today's 5G networks, smart meters, and WiFi systems.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Solem DL, Remark DG, Moore RL, Crawford RE, Rechen HJL (1968). Report of preliminary measurements of electromagnetic radiation fields near microwave ovens, TSB No 5.
Show BibTeX
@article{report_of_preliminary_measurements_of_electromagnetic_radiation_fields_near_micr_g6355,
  author = {Solem DL and Remark DG and Moore RL and Crawford RE and Rechen HJL},
  title = {Report of preliminary measurements of electromagnetic radiation fields near microwave ovens, TSB No 5},
  year = {1968},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

The study measured electromagnetic radiation fields in the vicinity of microwave ovens to assess potential leakage from these consumer appliances during operation, representing early safety research into microwave technology.
Microwave ovens were new consumer technology with unknown safety profiles. This research helped establish whether these appliances contained their radiation effectively or posed exposure risks to users.
This early work laid groundwork for current FDA leakage standards requiring microwave ovens emit no more than 5 milliwatts per square centimeter at 2 inches from the surface.
As a technical report focused on preliminary measurements, it likely used early electromagnetic field detection equipment to quantify radiation levels at various distances from operating microwave ovens.
This type of early measurement research contributed to the development of federal safety standards that now govern microwave oven manufacturing and leakage limits in the United States.