EMF Research Studies

Health Aspects of Exposure to Microwave-Radiofrequency Energies

Sol M. Michaelson

RF Frequency Spectrum Chart

Unknown authors

An examination of gamma globulin, acetylcholinesterase, and chymotrypsin following radio-frequency irradiation

Finch ED, McLees BD

Measurements of electric and magnetic field strengths from industrial radiofrequency heaters

M. Hietanen, K. Kalliomäki, P-L. Kalliomäki, P. Lindfors

Researchers measured electric and magnetic fields from 35 plastic welding machines operating at 27 MHz with nominal powers of 0.5 to 35 kW. About 70% of the heaters exceeded the common standards of 200 V/m and 0.2 A/m, and 80% exceeded the Finnish proposed standard of 60 V/m and 0.2 A/m. At the worker's position, electric field strength above 190 V/m occurred in 66% of equipment, and leakage above the Finnish proposal of 60 V/m occurred in 94.3% of devices. Magnetic field strength above 0.5 A/m was found in 60% of equipment, and the Finnish proposal of 0.2 A/m was exceeded in 74% of cases.

Uncertainties in the Evaluation of the Biological Effects of Microwave and Radiofrequency Radiation

Stephen F. Cleary

Table I summarizes reported in vivo effects in humans including hyperthermia, cataracts, auditory nerve responses, and neurological effects. Reported effects in experimental animals include mutations, hyperthermia, burns, testicular effects, and chromosomal aberrations. In vitro effects listed include mitotic arrest, resonance absorption in methyl palmitate, pearl-chain formation, and enzyme inactivation.

CHARACTERISTICS AND MEASUREMENTS OF MICROWAVE AND RADIOFREQUENCY RADIATION

Bureau of Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration

Microwaves and RF fields are almost totally reflected from metals, transmitted through plastics, ceramics, paper, or glass, and absorbed by most biological materials, particularly those with high water content. The document explains near-field and far-field regions, noting that the near field dominates when the distance is much smaller than the wavelength and that the far field begins where the ratio of electric to magnetic field approaches 377 ohms. It specifies measurement techniques for frequencies from 1 MHz to 100 GHz and distinguishes emission standards from exposure standards.

PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PLANTS AND PROCESSES FOR RADIOFREQUENCY AND MICROWAVE RADIATION

Unknown authors

PROBLEMS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE IN HANDLING ULTRASHORT WAVE RADIO TRANSMITTERS USED IN TV AND BROADCASTING

N. N. Goncharova, V. B. Karamyshev, N. V. Maksimenko

The paper examines occupational hygiene and effects of ultrashort wave electromagnetic fields on TV and radio station employees. Physiological investigations at workplaces found that operators servicing ultrashort wave transmitters exhibit functional changes in cardiovascular and central nervous systems during the day. The high-frequency electromagnetic field of considerable intensity was identified as an especially unfavorable factor. Protective and prophylactic measures are needed to improve work conditions.

DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS OF RF WAVES

CARL H. SUTTON

The review covers recent advances in using microwaves and other RF radiations for physical diagnosis and cancer therapy. A diagnostic technique combining radiometric readings of endogenous infrared and microwave emissions detects breast cancer with accuracy equal to xero-mammography and poses no radiation risk. A therapeutic approach combining microwaves with X irradiation for malignant melanoma allows reduction of the ionizing radiation dose without losing therapeutic efficacy. These and other applications in clinical use or animal model trials are discussed alongside biomedical, regulatory, and economic problems slowing research and development.

Comments and Suggestions Regarding the ANSI C-95.4 Subcommittee Report on Research Needs for Radiofrequency and Microwave Standards Setting

Houk, B., Zeischka (?), and others

RADIOFREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC LEAKAGE FIELDS FROM PLASTIC WELDING MACHINES. Measurements and reducing measures.

Arne Eriksson, Kjell Hansson Mild

RADIO FREQUENCY HAZARDS

John Roman

Animal experiments have largely been performed using small fur-bearing animals such as mice, rabbits and dogs, but results are difficult to extrapolate to humans. The eye and the testis are the two body organs most seriously affected by heat. Due to overheating, the eye may develop opacities or cataracts, and these are irreversible, while damage to the testis induces temporary sterility.

DEEP VISCERAL HYPERTHERMIA IN MAN WITHOUT SURFACE TISSUE INJURY

Unknown authors

Researchers developed a new radio frequency device that allows uniform heating to any depth without surface injury. In 52 human tumors evaluated, temperatures above 42°C occurred in 81%, above 45°C in 44%, and above 50°C in 37%, while surface and adjacent normal tissues remained at physiologic temperatures. Previous methods caused surface burns in humans with thick subcutaneous tissue despite surface cooling.

LOCALIZED RF HYPERTHERMIA ON HAMSTER CHEEK POUCH CARCINOMA

Unknown authors

A NONPERTURBING TEMPERATURE PROBE SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR HYPERTHERMIA MONITORING

Unknown authors

The probe uses a gallium arsenide sensor that absorbs near-infrared light at 907 nm, with absorption changing as temperature varies. The probe consists of 0.085-mm glass fibers for light transmission and reception, with a tip diameter smaller than a 25-gauge needle for tissue implantation. The system operates from 15°C to 55°C with a resolution of 0.01°C and absolute accuracy better than 0.1°C. An 8085 microprocessor controls up to six probes simultaneously, handling linearization, display, and calibration via a built-in calibrator or an external reference.

MEASUREMENTS OF THE RF POWER ABSORPTION IN HUMAN AND ANIMAL PHANTOMS EXPOSED TO NEAR-FIELD RADIATION

Unknown authors

TERATOGENIC EFFECTS OF RF RADIATION ON MICE

Unknown authors

EFFECTS OF RADIO FREQUENCY FIELDS ON THE EEG OF RABBIT BRAINS

Unknown authors

AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL FOR DETECTING AND AMPLIFYING SUBTLE RF FIELD-INDUCED CELL INJURIES

Unknown authors

IS THE BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER ALTERED BY RF IRRADIATION?

Unknown authors

EFFECTS OF 1.07 GHZ RF FIELDS ON MICROBIAL SYSTEMS

Unknown authors

Researchers exposed E. coli C-600 with a tonA defect to 1.07 GHz capacitor-fed fields in Brain Heart Infusion medium. At 42°C the bacteria became susceptible to phage T5 infection, showing nearly complete lysis and virus production when phage was added immediately after exposure. Field exposure of bacteriophage T5 suspended in BHI resulted in 80% inactivation in 2 minutes at 37°C, while the phage is normally stable to temperatures in excess of 480°C. E. coli was more easily inactivated by RF fields than by temperature alone, as 90 minutes at 48°C produced only a minimal reduction in viability.

AN AUTOMATED MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOFREQUENCY FIELD INTENSITIES

Richard A. Tell et al.

Occupational exposures to radiofrequency radiation from RF dielectric heat sealers

Clinton Cox, William E. Murray, Jr., Edward P. Foley, Jr.

О влиянии электрического поля ультравысокой частоты на окислительные процессы в изолированных клетках

Р. В. Братковский

Brilliant successes in radio engineering revealed ultra-high frequency electric fields as new acting biological factors. The effect of this field on biological structures began relatively recently. However, the accumulated experimental and clinical material proved extensive, diverse, though fragmented.

AN ULTRA-BROADBAND PROBE FOR RF RADIATION MEASUREMENTS

S. Hopfer