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That Strange Buzz May Be Radar

Bioeffects Seen

McCoy, AS · 1967

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Radar-induced buzzing sensations were documented as early as 1967, showing decades-old recognition of EMF biological effects.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1967 study investigated reports of people experiencing unexplained buzzing sensations that researchers suspected might be caused by radar electromagnetic waves. The research examined whether radar systems could produce physical effects detectable by humans, representing early recognition that electromagnetic fields might cause biological responses.

Why This Matters

This research represents a fascinating glimpse into the early days of EMF health awareness, when scientists were just beginning to connect mysterious physical symptoms to electromagnetic exposures. The fact that researchers in 1967 were already investigating radar-induced buzzing sensations shows that biological effects from electromagnetic fields have been documented for decades, long before cell phones became ubiquitous. What makes this particularly relevant today is that radar operates in similar frequency ranges to many modern wireless technologies. Military and civilian radar systems expose people to pulsed electromagnetic fields, often at power levels far exceeding what we get from consumer devices. Yet this type of occupational and environmental exposure receives far less attention than cell phone radiation, despite potentially representing much higher exposure levels for people living near airports, military installations, or weather radar facilities.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 3-9.5 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 3-9.5 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. Duration: Not specified

Study Details

To investigate whether humans can perceive electromagnetic waves at specific frequencies and wavelengths, particularly in the microwave range used by radar.

Subjects were tested at distances of 6 to 10 feet away from a transmitter. Copper plates were used a...

Subjects were able to hear buzzing, hissing, and static-like sounds from electromagnetic waves. The ...

The study demonstrates that people do hear electrical sounds in electromagnetic waves. The body may be an electrical system capable of transmitting and receiving capability. The phenomenon relates to 'resonance cavities' in the body. There is some hazard in electromagnetic waves of too great intensity. The research developed that two other persons had reported the 'hearing' of electromagnetic waves prior to this paper, though this is the first to report the ability to hear the waves.

Cite This Study
McCoy, AS (1967). That Strange Buzz May Be Radar.
Show BibTeX
@article{that_strange_buzz_may_be_radar_g3831,
  author = {McCoy and AS},
  title = {That Strange Buzz May Be Radar},
  year = {1967},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

Radar operators and people near radar systems reported experiencing unexplained buzzing sensations that researchers suspected were caused by electromagnetic wave exposure from radar equipment, leading to this investigation.
This study shows that biological effects from electromagnetic fields were being documented decades before cell phones existed, demonstrating that EMF health effects aren't a new concern but have been recognized since early radar technology.
Radar systems often operate in similar microwave frequency ranges as cell phones but typically at much higher power levels, making this early research relevant to understanding modern wireless technology effects.
People living near airports, military bases, weather stations, or marine radar installations can experience ongoing radar electromagnetic field exposure, often at levels exceeding typical consumer wireless device exposure.
Researchers investigated because multiple people reported similar unexplained buzzing sensations near radar equipment, suggesting a possible biological response to electromagnetic wave exposure that warranted scientific examination.