Browse 8,700 peer-reviewed studies on electromagnetic field health effects from 4 research libraries.
Showing 2,998 studies (Human Studies)
Milton M. ZARET, M.D. · 1980
This 1980 study documented cataracts in people who used cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, finding the eye damage resembled patterns from radiofrequency radiation exposure. The research showed cataracts developed over time with cumulative exposure, but could be stopped if caught early and exposure was eliminated.
Myron L. Wolbarsht, David H. Sliney · 1980
This 1980 study examined electromagnetic emissions from video display terminals (VDTs) across frequencies from 10kHz to 18GHz, including microwave ranges, to investigate health concerns like alleged 'video cancer.' Researchers tested multiple VDT models under normal and maximum emission conditions. The study aimed to characterize actual EMF exposure levels from these early computer monitors.
Per Lövsund · 1980
Researchers exposed humans to magnetic fields at workplace levels (0.1-10 mT, 50 Hz) and found they could trigger visual flashes called magnetophosphenes at thresholds around 10-12 mT. The study also showed these magnetic fields directly stimulate retinal cells through the same pathways that process light, with peak sensitivity occurring at 20-30 Hz frequencies.
Unknown authors · 1980
The FDA proposed safety standards for microwave diathermy devices used in medical therapy to heat body tissues. The 1980 regulation established limits on microwave radiation leakage, required safety controls, and mandated clear labeling and warnings. This represents an early recognition that even therapeutic microwave exposure needed strict safety protocols.
Unknown authors · 1980
In 1980, the FDA proposed performance standards for microwave diathermy devices used in medical therapy to heat body tissues. The proposal addressed radiation leakage limits, safety controls, and user information requirements. This regulatory action recognized the need to balance therapeutic benefits with protection from unnecessary microwave radiation exposure.
W. Dewey et al. · 1980
This 1980 international symposium brought together leading researchers to examine how heat therapy (hyperthermia) combined with radiation and drugs could treat cancer. The conference explored various heating methods including microwaves, radiofrequency, and ultrasound to raise tumor temperatures. This research laid important groundwork for understanding how electromagnetic energy interacts with human tissue at therapeutic levels.
Paolo Bernardi, Guglielmo D'Ambrosio · 1980
This 1980 Italian research survey examined the growing body of international studies on how electromagnetic waves interact with human biology. The paper reviewed biological effects research from various countries and highlighted Italy's emerging contributions to EMF health research. It identified key research areas and unresolved questions in the field.
Melvin A. Astrahan, F. W. George III · 1980
This 1980 study describes the technical development of an experimental radiofrequency hyperthermia system for cancer treatment. Researchers designed temperature control circuitry to regulate heat delivery to tumors using localized current field technology. The work focused on engineering safety and performance considerations for medical RF applications.
David L. Conover et al. · 1980
This 1980 study measured radiofrequency radiation from industrial plastic sealing machines operating at 6-38 MHz and found that 60% exceeded safety guidelines for electric fields and 29% exceeded magnetic field limits. The research revealed that workers, all women, were exposed to EMF levels above recommended standards, with significant variation depending on body position relative to the machines.
Angelo Vassallo · 1980
This 1980 study by Angelo Vassallo examined whether radiofrequency heat sealing equipment used in industrial settings needed stricter safety controls to protect workers from electromagnetic field exposure. The research focused on occupational safety concerns around RF heating devices commonly used in manufacturing and packaging operations.
Howard Bassen · 1980
This 1980 FDA research by H. Bassen examined radio-frequency and microwave radiation exposure measurement and safety standards. The study focused on how these electromagnetic fields are absorbed by human tissue and established methods for assessing exposure levels. This represents early foundational work in understanding RF/microwave radiation effects on human health.
M. Gautherie et al. · 1980
Researchers used 9 GHz microwave radiometry to study breast cancer patients and other tumor patients, comparing this technique to infrared thermography. The study found that microwave radiometry could detect thermal conditions in deeper tumor tissues where infrared thermography failed, providing valuable information about tumor metabolism and blood flow patterns.
M.A. Stuchly, M.H. Repacholi, D. Lecuyer, R. Mann · 1980
Canadian researchers surveyed 82 industrial RF heating devices used for plastic sealing and wood gluing in 1979, operating at 4-51 MHz with power outputs up to 90 kW. Many devices exposed workers to RF fields exceeding 1 mW/cm², with some over 10 mW/cm² - levels far above what's considered safe today. This study documented significant occupational RF exposure in industrial settings decades before modern wireless technology.
Howard Bassen · 1980
This 1980 FDA document outlines the agency's measurement and risk assessment activities designed to control radiofrequency and microwave radiation exposures. The paper describes the regulatory framework the FDA developed to monitor and limit RF/microwave radiation from various sources. This represents an early government acknowledgment of the need to actively manage EMF exposures for public health protection.
Jill Jones · 1980
This 1980 research by Jones examined human health effects from microwave radiation exposure, contributing to early understanding of what researchers termed 'electronic smog.' The study investigated how living with microwave electromagnetic radiation affects human health, during a period when microwave technology was rapidly expanding in homes and workplaces.
D.D. Nguyen et al. · 1980
This 1980 study examined how microwave probes (2-10 GHz frequency range) interact with human tissue for medical thermal imaging applications. Researchers developed mathematical models to understand how microwaves penetrate tissue and detect temperature patterns, particularly for tumor detection. The work laid groundwork for understanding microwave-tissue interactions in medical diagnostics.
R. C. Petersen, M. M. Weiss, G. Minneci · 1980
This 1980 study measured electromagnetic emissions from video display terminals (VDTs) across frequencies from 10kHz to 18GHz to investigate health concerns like 'editor's cataract.' Researchers found emission levels far below safety standards and concluded VDTs pose no electromagnetic health risks. Eye strain and fatigue were attributed to lighting, glare, and ergonomic factors rather than radiation.
Committee on the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiations · 1980
This 1980 government report examined how low-level ionizing radiation affects human populations, establishing foundational understanding of radiation health risks. The Committee on Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiations analyzed population-wide exposure patterns and biological responses. This work helped establish safety standards and risk assessment methods still used today.
Unknown authors · 1980
Israeli researchers in 1980 exposed human sperm samples to various electromagnetic radiations including visible light, UV light, x-rays, and high-frequency radio waves. While sperm showed remarkable resistance to light and x-ray exposure, high-frequency radio waves significantly reduced sperm motility and survival. This early study identified radio frequency radiation as potentially harmful to human reproductive cells.
Unknown authors · 1980
Queensland researchers tracked malignant melanoma rates from 1966 to 1977, finding the annual incidence doubled from 16 to 32.7 cases per 100,000 people. The study showed more cases were being caught earlier and at more superficial levels. This suggests improved early detection and treatment rather than just increased disease occurrence.
Unknown authors · 1980
Queensland researchers tracked skin cancer rates from 1966 to 1977, finding that malignant melanoma cases doubled from 16 to 32.7 per 100,000 people. The good news: doctors were catching tumors earlier and smaller, suggesting improved detection was partly responsible for the increased numbers.
Clinton Cox, Bill Murray, Betsy Egan, Bob Herrick · 1979
NIOSH surveyed a plastic manufacturing plant in 1978 to measure radiofrequency radiation from industrial heat sealers and identify workers for potential health studies. All three heat sealers produced electric field strengths exceeding 1000 V/M, levels significantly higher than typical consumer electronics. The study aimed to establish whether these occupational RF exposures cause health effects in workers.
Unknown authors · 1979
In 1979, federal agencies announced an open workshop to address potential health hazards from radiofrequency sealers, heaters, and gluers used in industrial settings. The Bureau of Radiological Health and OSHA sought to identify workplace RF exposure risks and develop control techniques for these high-power devices.
Unknown authors · 1979
This 1979 technical report proposed threshold limit values (TLV) for radiofrequency radiation exposure in occupational settings. The document addressed workplace safety standards for microwave and RF electromagnetic energy, establishing guidelines for how much exposure workers could safely receive. This represents early efforts to regulate RF radiation before widespread consumer electronics adoption.
Jean Cabanes · 1979
This 1979 World Health Organization review examined studies on the health effects of electrical and magnetic fields from power lines on humans. The WHO found no statistically significant health effects and concluded that high-voltage power lines up to 400-800 kV do not pose a danger to human health. Any symptoms reported in some subjects fell within normal physiological ranges or were attributed to non-specific stimulation.