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The Effects of B-52 RADAR Exposure

Radio detection and ranging (RADAR) is a system that uses electromagnetic waves to determine the location of moving and fixed objects. Aircraft, such as the B-52, or the "flying fortress," are equipped with RADAR devices which emit electromagnetic waves. Unfortunately, there is scarce data published on the effects of B-52 RADAR exposure from the U.S. military. However, other countries have published data on RADAR exposure and have linked electromagnetic exposure to increased levels of cancer and cardiovascular diseases among military personnel.

  1. RADAR Exposure and Cancer

    • An article in the October 2003 issue of "Radiation and Environmental Biophysics" reviewed studies, published between 1980 and 2002, on the effects of radio frequencies on human health. The authors included analyses of RADAR use by the Canadian military and police. The study found that an increased risk of cancer was possible due to the use of RADAR, but noted that the results of the studies were inconsistent. The authors stated that because of the lack of standardized techniques, they could make no definite conclusions concerning any possible relationships between RADAR exposure and cancer.

    Effect on Reproduction

    • Exposure to electromagnetic fields and the effects on reproductive health was explored in a study published in the July 2008 issue of "Bioelectromagnetics." The authors interviewed men in the Norwegian navy about RADAR exposure, previous diseases and reproductive health. The study found that a correlation existed between exposure and reduced fertility among the men, but cautioned that their results must be carefully interpreted for a cause-and-effect relationship.

    Cancer Deaths in Military Personnel

    • The effects of electromagnetic waves emitted by RADAR were investigated in a study published in the February 2009 issue of the "International Journal of Cancer." The authors compared the cause of death of over 4,400 RADAR operators from the Belgian military, who served in anti-aircraft RADAR units between 1963 and 1994, to those in the military having no RADAR exposure. The study found that exposure to RADAR may have been related to an increase in the number of cancer deaths among the military personnel, but cautioned that it was uncertain if these deaths were due to RADAR or ionizing radiation produced by other electronic devices producing microwaves.

    Cardiovascular Disease and RADAR Exposure

    • A study appearing in the Russian publication "Radiatsionnia Biologiia Radioecologiia" investigated the effects of RADAR exposure through periodic examinations of aircraft personnel. The study used three groups for comparison, personnel exposed to different wavelengths of electromagnetic fields through the use of RADAR. The study found an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and at an earlier age, in the group exposed to frequencies used in the B-52 RADAR systems as compared to the other groups.

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