The effect of hyperpyrexia induced by radiation upon the leukocyte count
William Bierman · 1934
1934 research already documented radiation's ability to cause fever and alter white blood cell counts in humans.
Plain English Summary
This 1934 study by Dr. William Bierman examined how radiation-induced fever (hyperpyrexia) affected white blood cell counts in humans. The research investigated the relationship between radiation exposure, elevated body temperature, and changes in the immune system's white blood cells. This early work represents some of the first documented research into radiation's effects on human blood cells.
Why This Matters
This study represents a fascinating piece of early EMF research history, conducted just decades after the discovery of electromagnetic radiation's biological effects. Dr. Bierman was investigating how radiation exposure could elevate body temperature to dangerous levels and how this thermal stress affected white blood cells, which are crucial for immune function. What makes this research particularly relevant today is that it demonstrates scientists were already documenting measurable biological changes from radiation exposure nearly 90 years ago. While we don't know the specific radiation type or intensity used, the fact that researchers in 1934 were finding effects on blood cells should give us pause about our current unprecedented levels of daily EMF exposure from wireless devices, which didn't exist when this groundbreaking work was conducted.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Show BibTeX
@article{the_effect_of_hyperpyrexia_induced_by_radiation_upon_the_leukocyte_count_g6647,
author = {William Bierman},
title = {The effect of hyperpyrexia induced by radiation upon the leukocyte count},
year = {1934},
}