Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Study of Nonionizing Microwave Radiation Effects Upon the Central Nervous System and Behavior Reactions med./bio.

By: Shandala MG, Dumanskii UD, Rudnev MI, Ershova LK, Los IP
Published in: Environ Health Perspect 1979; 30: 115-121
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the biologic effects of an electromagnetic field of a frequency of 2375 +/- 50 MHz in rats and rabbits.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.375 GHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: 7 hr/d for 3 months
Exposure 2: 2.375 GHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: 7 hr/d for 1 month.
Exposure 3: 2.375 GHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: 7 hr/d for 3 month.

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.375 GHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration 7 hr/d for 3 months
Additional info f = 2.375 GHz +/-50 MHz
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 2.2 m
Chamber Reflection free chamber
Setup Four plastic cages placed in the chamber in which the rabbits were irradiated from overhead.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 5 W/m² maximum unspecified - -
power density 10 µW/cm² minimum unspecified - 50 µW/cm²

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.375 GHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration 7 hr/d for 1 month.
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 2.2 m
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 5 W/m² maximum unspecified - -

Exposure 3

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.375 GHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration 7 hr/d for 3 month.
Additional info f = 2.375 GHz +/-50 MHz
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 2.2 m
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 50 µW/cm² unspecified unspecified - -
power density 10 µW/cm² unspecified unspecified - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Changes in the bioelectric activity in the brain: the effect of low intensity microwaves at a power density of 10 µW/cm² and of 50 µW/cm² stimulate the bioelectric activity of the brain at the initial stage of exposure, while a level of 500 µW/cm² causes its suppression, as seen from increase of slow, high amplitude delta-waves.
Behavioral reactions: The microwave field causes a number of changes in the behavioral responses. The effect of exposure to 500 µW/cm² results in decreasing behavioral search activity and suppression of food response. Work capacity decreased.
Changes in the immunological and cytochemical indices of blood: Microwave exposure at 500 µW/cm² leads to a sudden and statistically significant disturbance of the immunological system. This is indicated by the substantial suppression of the phagocytic capability of neutrophils and by a reduction of the functional activity of immunocompetent cells. At the power level shown, the microwave irradiation leads to a significant lowering of the number of blasts.

Study character:

Study funded by