Study of nonionizing microwave radiation effects upon the central nervous system and behavior reactions

Environ Health Perspect · 1979 · Mixed · Low evidence

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MixedLow evidencePaper 6077

Study snapshot

PublicationEnviron Health Perspect · 1979

Study typeanimal

Reported directionMixed

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

The biologic effect of an electromagnetic field of a frequency of 2375 +/- 50 MHz was studied in rats and rabbits in specially constructed absorbant chambers. The results of the investigations have shown that microwave radiation of 10, 50, 500 mu W/cm2 for 30 days, 7 hr/day, causes a number of changes in bioelectric brain activity and also in behavioral immunological, and cytochemical reactions. It was found that levels of 10 and 50 mu W/cm2 stimulate the electric brain activity at the initial stage of irradiation, while a level of 500 mu W/cm2 causes its suppression, as seen from the increase of slow, high amplitude delta-waves. At 500 mu W/cm2 a decrease in capacity of work, in value of unconditioned feeding stimulus, in investigating activity, electronic irradiation threshold, and in inhibition of cellular and humoral immunity were also observed.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeanimal

Effect directionmixed

PopulationRats and rabbits

Sample sizeNot supplied

Exposuremicrowave · 2375 MHz · 30 days, 7 hr/day

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In rats and rabbits exposed to 2375 +/- 50 MHz in absorbant chambers, microwave radiation at 10, 50, and 500 µW/cm2 for 30 days (7 hr/day) was associated with changes in bioelectric brain activity and behavioral, immunological, and cytochemical reactions. At 10 and 50 µW/cm2, electric brain activity was reported to be stimulated at the initial stage of irradiation, while at 500 µW/cm2 it was reported to be suppressed (increase of slow, high-amplitude delta-waves). At 500 µW/cm2, decreases in work capacity, unconditioned feeding stimulus value, investigating activity, electronic irradiation threshold, and inhibition of cellular and humoral immunity were observed.

Outcomes measured

Bioelectric brain activity (EEG changes, delta-waves)
Behavioral reactions (capacity of work, feeding stimulus, investigating activity)
Electronic irradiation threshold
Cellular and humoral immunity
Cytochemical reactions

Limitations

Sample size not reported in abstract
Exposure metric reported as power density (µW/cm2) without SAR
Details of controls, randomization/blinding, and statistical methods not provided in abstract
Species-specific findings (rats and rabbits) may not generalize to humans

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "microwave",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": 2375,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "30 days, 7 hr/day"
  },
  "population": "Rats and rabbits",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Bioelectric brain activity (EEG changes, delta-waves)",
    "Behavioral reactions (capacity of work, feeding stimulus, investigating activity)",
    "Electronic irradiation threshold",
    "Cellular and humoral immunity",
    "Cytochemical reactions"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In rats and rabbits exposed to 2375 +/- 50 MHz in absorbant chambers, microwave radiation at 10, 50, and 500 µW/cm2 for 30 days (7 hr/day) was associated with changes in bioelectric brain activity and behavioral, immunological, and cytochemical reactions. At 10 and 50 µW/cm2, electric brain activity was reported to be stimulated at the initial stage of irradiation, while at 500 µW/cm2 it was reported to be suppressed (increase of slow, high-amplitude delta-waves). At 500 µW/cm2, decreases in work capacity, unconditioned feeding stimulus value, investigating activity, electronic irradiation threshold, and inhibition of cellular and humoral immunity were observed.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Sample size not reported in abstract",
    "Exposure metric reported as power density (µW/cm2) without SAR",
    "Details of controls, randomization/blinding, and statistical methods not provided in abstract",
    "Species-specific findings (rats and rabbits) may not generalize to humans"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "microwave radiation",
    "nonionizing radiation",
    "2375 MHz",
    "rats",
    "rabbits",
    "EEG",
    "delta waves",
    "behavior",
    "immunity",
    "power density",
    "absorbant chambers"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1289/ehp.7930115
PubMed: 446442

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