8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Whole Body / General

Scientists are pondering the effects of very-low microwave levels on human beings

Bioeffects Seen

Edward Gross · 1969

Share:

1969 scientists questioned safety of very low microwave levels, foreshadowing today's concerns about chronic wireless exposures.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Scientists in 1969 examined how very low levels of microwave radiation might affect human health, including potential eye damage like cataracts. This early research explored biological effects from microwave exposure levels much lower than those previously studied. The work helped establish the foundation for understanding subtle health impacts from everyday microwave sources.

Why This Matters

This 1969 research represents a pivotal moment in EMF science when researchers first began questioning whether 'safe' microwave levels might not be so safe after all. The focus on very low microwave exposures was groundbreaking because it challenged the prevailing assumption that only high-power microwaves could harm human health. The mention of cataracts is particularly significant since eye damage from microwave exposure was one of the first documented biological effects, leading to safety standards that persist today.

What makes this study especially relevant now is how it presaged our current concerns about chronic, low-level exposures from WiFi, cell phones, and other wireless devices. The microwave frequencies these scientists were investigating in 1969 are remarkably similar to those now flooding our homes and workplaces 24/7. The reality is that we're conducting a massive experiment on ourselves with exposures that concerned scientists over half a century ago.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Edward Gross (1969). Scientists are pondering the effects of very-low microwave levels on human beings.
Show BibTeX
@article{scientists_are_pondering_the_effects_of_very_low_microwave_levels_on_human_being_g3907,
  author = {Edward Gross},
  title = {Scientists are pondering the effects of very-low microwave levels on human beings},
  year = {1969},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

The study doesn't specify exact levels, but 1969 'very low' microwave exposures likely referred to power densities far below heating thresholds. These levels would be comparable to or higher than today's WiFi and cell phone exposures that we now consider routine.
Cataracts were among the first documented biological effects from microwave radiation. The eye's lens lacks blood circulation to dissipate heat, making it particularly vulnerable to microwave damage. This concern led to early safety standards for microwave ovens and radar equipment.
Modern WiFi, Bluetooth, and cell phones operate in similar microwave frequency ranges that concerned scientists in 1969. However, today's devices expose us continuously at levels these early researchers were just beginning to study for potential health effects.
Beyond cataracts, researchers were exploring whether very low microwave levels could cause subtle biological changes in humans. This marked a shift from studying obvious thermal effects to investigating potential non-thermal impacts on cellular and organ function.
This research challenged the assumption that only high-power microwaves could harm humans. By investigating very low levels, scientists began exploring whether chronic, subtle exposures might cause long-term health effects without immediate obvious symptoms.