Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
Studies on biological effects of microwave radiation. 4. Experimental studies on the biological effects of long term irradiation with microwaves in the healthy mouse
No Effects Found
Ban K · 1967
Mice showed clear avoidance behaviors when exposed to microwaves, suggesting biological detection even without visible tissue damage.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
Japanese researchers exposed 50 mice to microwave radiation at various power densities (6.8 to 43.4 mW/cm²) for 5 minutes daily over 7 weeks. Despite observing behavioral changes like face washing and avoidance behaviors at higher power levels, microscopic examination of organs showed no tissue damage. Only one mouse died during the study period.
Cite This Study
Ban K (1967). Studies on biological effects of microwave radiation. 4. Experimental studies on the biological effects of long term irradiation with microwaves in the healthy mouse.
Show BibTeX
@article{studies_on_biological_effects_of_microwave_radiation_4_experimental_studies_on_t_g6346,
author = {Ban K},
title = {Studies on biological effects of microwave radiation. 4. Experimental studies on the biological effects of long term irradiation with microwaves in the healthy mouse},
year = {1967},
}Quick Questions About This Study
Mice exhibited face washing, turned their backs toward the radiating antenna, and actively tried to evade the microwave emanation, particularly at the two highest power densities of 43.4 and 22.9 mW/cm².
The study used 6.8 to 43.4 mW/cm², which is 3-20 times higher than typical cell phone exposures of 1-2 mW/cm². However, modern devices expose us continuously rather than just 5 minutes daily.
Only one male mouse from the highest exposure group (43.4 mW/cm²) died during the third week of the experiment. The researchers did not definitively attribute this death to microwave exposure.
Researchers performed extensive histological examination of various organs from 10 surviving mice after the 7-week exposure period, though the study doesn't specify which organs were examined or the examination techniques used.
The study only examined gross tissue damage using 1960s microscopy techniques, missing potential cellular, genetic, neurological, or biochemical effects that modern research methods can detect. The clear behavioral responses suggest undetected biological impacts.