W. W. Salisbury, John W. Clark, H. M. Hines · 1948
This 1948 technical report by W.W. Salisbury examined physiological damage caused by microwave radiation exposure in animals. The research represents one of the earliest systematic investigations into the biological effects of microwave energy, conducted during the post-World War II period when radar technology raised initial safety concerns. This foundational work helped establish the scientific understanding that microwave radiation can cause measurable biological harm.
URSULA M. LEDEN et al. · 1947
This 1947 study investigated how microwave radiation from radar systems affects human heating and blood circulation patterns. The research examined the biological effects of early radar technology, particularly focusing on how microwaves generate heat in human tissue and alter circulatory function. This represents some of the earliest scientific documentation of microwave biological effects in humans.
T. M. Caffaratto · 1946
This 1946 Italian study examined changes in white blood cell counts (leukocytes) in women following shortwave therapy treatments in gynecological practice. The research documented blood cell variations after exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields used in medical diathermy procedures. This represents early clinical observation of biological responses to therapeutic RF radiation.
T. M. Caffaratto · 1946
This 1946 study investigated changes in white blood cells (leukocytes) following shortwave diathermy treatment in gynecological patients. The research examined how radiofrequency energy used in medical therapy affected immune cell counts. This represents early documentation of biological effects from therapeutic RF exposure.
Lidman, B I, Cohn, C · 1945
This 1945 study investigated how radar emissions affected the blood-forming (hematopoietic) system in humans, examining potential impacts on blood cell production and counts. The research represents one of the earliest scientific investigations into radar's biological effects, conducted during World War II when radar technology was rapidly expanding. This pioneering work helped establish the foundation for understanding how radiofrequency radiation might affect human blood and immune systems.
Maj Bernard J. Lidman, MC, Capt Clarence Cohn, MC · 1945
This 1945 Naval Research Laboratory study examined 45 radar operators exposed to radar emissions for up to 9 years, finding no blood abnormalities or health effects. Parallel animal studies on guinea pigs also showed no reproductive, behavioral, or tissue changes from heavy radar exposure.
Daily LE · 1943
This 1943 clinical study examined laboratory personnel exposed to radar and high-frequency radio equipment, conducting blood counts and physical examinations to assess health effects. The research represents one of the earliest documented investigations into occupational EMF exposure from radar technology. This wartime study established a foundation for understanding potential health impacts from high-powered electromagnetic radiation sources.
Bennett RL, Hines EA, Krusen FH · 1941
This 1941 study examined short-wave diathermy (a medical heating device using radio frequency energy) and its effects on foot skin temperature. The researchers found that while diathermy produces deep tissue heating, it can be harmful for patients with poor blood circulation and should be avoided in cases of arterial insufficiency.
Leavy IM · 1935
This 1935 medical paper examined physical therapy treatments for chronic diseases, particularly peripheral vascular disease and ulcerations. The research focused on therapeutic approaches including thermotherapy (heat treatment), hydrotherapy (water therapy), and massage for managing these conditions. While not directly EMF-related, this historical work provides context for understanding how electromagnetic therapies later evolved in medical practice.
DR. I. M. LEAVY · 1935
This 1934 medical study examined physical therapy treatments for chronic diseases, including the use of diathermy (electromagnetic heating therapy) for conditions like peripheral vascular disease and ulcerations. The research explored therapeutic applications of electromagnetic energy alongside massage and hydrotherapy. This represents early medical use of controlled electromagnetic fields for healing purposes.
William Bierman · 1934
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.
Roffo, A. S., Jr. · 1934
This 1934 study exposed chemical dye solutions to electromagnetic waves and found they produced stronger effects on frog hearts compared to non-exposed solutions. The electromagnetic exposure enhanced the dyes' ability to disrupt heart rhythm and reduce pumping strength, with different dyes showing varying levels of impact.
William Bierman, M.D. · 1934
This 1934 study exposed humans to 30-meter wavelength radio frequency radiation to artificially induce fever (hyperpyrexia) and measured changes in white blood cell counts. Researchers found that RF-induced fever affected immune cell levels, providing early evidence that electromagnetic radiation can trigger measurable biological responses in the human body.
KNUDSON, ARTHUR and PHILIP J. SCHAIBLE · 1929
This 1929 study exposed dogs to short-wave radio transmissions (25,000-10,000 kilocycles) and found severe physiological effects including dangerous fever temperatures and significant blood chemistry changes. The dogs experienced marked dehydration, increased toxic waste products, and dangerous shifts toward acidosis when body temperatures reached 108-110°F for 30-60 minutes.
P. Grützner, R. Heidenhain · 1878
This 1878 German physiological study by Grützner and Heidenhain examined muscle innervation and blood vessel function in animal subjects. While conducted decades before modern EMF research, this foundational work explored how electrical signals control biological systems. The research contributed to early understanding of bioelectrical processes that modern EMF science builds upon.
Unknown authors
Researchers exposed human bone marrow cells from leukemia patients to 2450 MHz microwave radiation (the same frequency as microwave ovens and some WiFi) at various power levels for 15 minutes. They found that higher power exposures significantly reduced the cells' ability to form colonies, suggesting direct cellular damage. This demonstrates that microwave radiation can interfere with human blood cell production at the cellular level.
H. C. Gloz
This technical report examined how ultrashort wave radiofrequency radiation affects fluid production and blood flow in the human head. The research documented increased fluid pressure, blood vessel dilation, and hyperemia (increased blood flow) in brain and retinal vessels during RF exposure. This early research provides evidence that RF radiation can cause measurable physiological changes in the vascular system of the head.
Unknown authors
This technical report describes the development of PACE ALERT, a warning device designed to protect pacemaker patients from potentially dangerous microwave radiation exposure. The device aims to detect electromagnetic interference that could disrupt pacemaker function and alert patients before harmful exposure occurs. This represents an important safety innovation for the growing population of cardiac device recipients.
Unknown authors
This technical paper describes three separate experiments using millimeter wave radiation (35-60 GHz) to test effects on bacteria, cell energy production, and blood cell damage. The research was motivated by Soviet studies claiming frequency-specific biological effects that occurred regardless of power levels.
Unknown authors
Scientists exposed conscious rats to low-power pulsed microwaves at 1 and 15 mW/cm² and measured blood flow changes in 20 different brain regions. Both exposure levels increased blood flow by 10-144% in 16 brain areas, with the largest increases in the pineal gland, hypothalamus, and temporal cortex. This demonstrates that microwave radiation at power levels similar to everyday devices can trigger significant metabolic changes in brain tissue.
Unknown authors
This technical report examined how 2450 MHz microwave radiation affects immune system function and blood cell production in laboratory mice. The research focused on changes in lymphocytes and other blood cells after microwave exposure. This frequency matches common household microwave ovens and some industrial heating applications.
S. M. Michaelson
This conference paper by researcher S.M. Michaelson examined how microwave radiation affects rodents under hyperbaric (high pressure) conditions. The study investigated whether increased atmospheric pressure changes how animals respond to microwave exposure, particularly regarding thermal regulation and other physiological processes.
W.D. Travers, R.J. Vetter
Researchers exposed pregnant rats to low-level microwave radiation and found changes in their blood's iron-binding capacity, specifically affecting transferrin protein levels. This study confirmed earlier Soviet research showing that microwave exposure can alter protein composition in blood and organs at power densities that don't cause heating. The findings suggest microwave radiation may affect how the body transports essential nutrients during pregnancy.
Bryan Parker, Seymour Furman, Doris J. W. Escher
This research examined how electromagnetic signals in hospital environments might interfere with cardiac pacemaker function. The study focused on input signals reaching pacemaker electrodes and how ventricular electrical activity could be affected by hospital equipment. This work addressed critical safety concerns about EMF interference with life-sustaining medical devices.
N. N. Goncharova, V. B. Karamyshev, N. V. Maksimenko
Soviet researchers studied TV and radio station workers exposed to ultrashort wave electromagnetic fields and found measurable changes in their cardiovascular and nervous systems during work shifts. The study documented that operators servicing high-frequency transmitters experienced functional changes linked to EMF exposure, prompting recommendations for protective measures in broadcast facilities.
