8,655 Studies Reviewed. 86.9% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Whole Body / GeneralPart of the Glaser Archive

SAFE GUIDE OF EXPOSURE TO THE EM PULSE

Bioeffects Seen

W. F. Krueger, A. J. Giarola · 1972

Share:

This 1972 report established foundational safety principles for electromagnetic pulse exposure that still guide EMF protection standards today.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1972 technical report by Krueger developed safety guidelines for electromagnetic pulse (EMP) exposure, analyzing the power spectrum characteristics of these intense electromagnetic bursts. The work contributed to early ANSI C95.4 safety standards that would govern exposure limits for high-intensity electromagnetic events.

Why This Matters

This early technical report represents foundational work in understanding electromagnetic pulse safety at a time when the field was just beginning to grapple with intense EMF exposures. While EMP events may seem removed from daily life, the safety principles established in this 1972 research helped shape the framework we still use today for evaluating high-intensity electromagnetic exposures. The reality is that modern technology exposes us to electromagnetic pulses regularly through sources like microwave ovens, radar systems, and even some medical devices. What makes this work particularly relevant is that it established power spectrum analysis as a critical tool for assessing EMF safety. The science demonstrates that understanding how electromagnetic energy distributes across different frequencies is essential for predicting biological effects. This foundational approach continues to inform how we evaluate everything from wireless device emissions to industrial electromagnetic equipment today.

Figures from the Original Paper

Diagram extracted from the original research document.

graphPage 3 - Figure 1. Power density spectrum of a conveniently chosen EM pulse.
p. 3 of the original PDF

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 0 Hz to 500 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 0 Hz to 500 MHzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

To establish a temporary safe guide of exposure to the electromagnetic pulse (EM pulse) based on available data and existing ANSI standards.

The study analyzed the frequency spectrum of an EM pulse using Fourier transform and compared it wit...

No harm or injury to humans was reported from exposure to EM pulses. Chicks exposed to electric fiel...

Based on the lack of reported harm and experimental data from chick studies, a temporary safe guide of exposure to the EM pulse is recommended at 10 kV/m electric field, with a safety factor of 10 applied to the observed 100 kV/m exposure limit.

Cite This Study
W. F. Krueger, A. J. Giarola (1972). SAFE GUIDE OF EXPOSURE TO THE EM PULSE.
Show BibTeX
@article{safe_guide_of_exposure_to_the_em_pulse_g7135,
  author = {W. F. Krueger and A. J. Giarola},
  title = {SAFE GUIDE OF EXPOSURE TO THE EM PULSE},
  year = {1972},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

Electromagnetic pulses are brief, high-intensity bursts of electromagnetic energy that can occur naturally (lightning) or artificially (electronic devices, military systems). They require special safety guidelines because their concentrated energy can potentially cause biological effects or equipment damage.
Power spectrum analysis breaks down electromagnetic pulses by frequency, showing how energy is distributed across different wavelengths. This helps safety experts understand which frequencies pose the greatest risk and establish appropriate exposure limits for each frequency range.
This technical report contributed to ANSI C95.4 safety standards, which establish exposure limits for high-intensity electromagnetic fields. The research helped create the scientific foundation for protecting workers and the public from potentially harmful EMP exposures.
Yes, common sources include microwave ovens, radar systems, some medical equipment, and even lightning strikes. While most everyday exposures are well below safety limits, understanding EMP characteristics helps ensure proper shielding and safety protocols.
This early research established safety evaluation methods before widespread electronic device adoption. The power spectrum analysis techniques developed then continue to guide how we assess EMF safety for modern wireless devices, medical equipment, and industrial systems.