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High Power Microwave Damage Effects

Microwave radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation, which can be powerful like X-ray usage or weak like radio-frequency waves used in broadcasting. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), microwave usage falls into the category of radio-frequency radiation and the federal limit allows leakage of these waves up to 5 milliwatts (mW). Several sources including the FDA, FCC (Federal Communications Commissions), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and WHO (World Health Organization) conclude that this is not enough to cause health effects in people exposed to microwave usage; however, high power exposure has been shown to cause biological health effects. Individuals may be exposed if there is a leak coming from the microwave, however, a leakage only emits a low level of radiation and is not normally enough to cause these effects. Higher level exposure may occur through occupational hazards of those working directly with the radiation.

  1. Body Tissue

    • Exposure to high radio-frequency (RF) levels from microwaves can effect the human body in the same way that it effects food--by heating it. It would raise overall body temperature and heat body tissue rapidly, causing a painful burn. The RF levels would be absorbed in the body and circulated through the blood stream and have a negative effect on your thermoregulatory ability and physiology, such as limiting the ability to perform cognitive tasks. This is due to the body's sensitivity to excessive heat. This is referred to as a "thermal" effect.

    Cataracts

    • The lens of the eye is vulnerable to high levels of microwave oven exposure and could cause eye irritation of cataracts. This is due to the eye's lack of blood supply and limited cooling ability. The eye also maintains a limited capacity for repair, which can cause permanent damage due to cellular debris. This damage has been identified through chronic occupational exposure to infrared radiation, according to Lydahl and Phillipson in their paper "Infared Radiation and Cataract" of 1984.

    Testes

    • High levels of microwave RF exposure could damage or kill sperm because of sperm's sensitivity to heat. A study by Watanabe entitled "The Effect of Heat on the Human Spermatogenesis" in 1959 detected limited sperm counts, or temporary sterility, lasting for several weeks. Like human eyes, the testes are also vulnerable to heat, as it constricts blood flow.

    Cancer

    • Whether high power electromagnetic radiation exposure can cause cancer is a controversial issue. Many studies have been conducted with cellular phone usage as opposed to microwave use. Studies that suggest radiation is related to cancer include Michelozzi et al in 2002, which found an increased risk of childhood leukemia due to exposure to a high powered radio station and Hardell et al in 2002, which concluded an increased risk of brain tumors among cellular phone users who have used the phones for over 10 years. These studies are not conclusive, however, due to experimental methods.

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