Biological Effects and Dosimetry of Nonionizing Radiation: Radiofrequency and Microwave Energies

During the last 35 years, there has been considerable develop­ ment and increase in the number of devices that emit nonionizing radiant energies. These energies such as radiofrequency including microwaves are used in all sectors of our society for military, industrial. telecommunications, medical, and consumer applications. This increase in sources of nonionizing radiant energies has resulted in growing interest on the part of government regulatory agencies, industrial and military physicians, research workers, clinicians, and environmentalists. Although there is information on biologic effects and potential hazards to man from exposure to microwave/radiofrequency energies, considerable confusion and misinformation has permeated not only the public press but also some scientific and technical publications. Because of the complexity of the interactions of nonionizing radiation in biological systems, an inter-disciplinary approach is necessary to assess and elucidate the problems that evolve as this field advances and as the use of these energies expands. It is important to maintain a proper perspective and assess realistically the biomedical effects of these radiant energies so that the worker or general public will not be unduly exposed nor will research, development and beneficial utilization of these energies be hampered or restricted by an undue concern for effects which may be nonexis­ tent or minimal in comparison to other environmental hazards.