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Effects of Radiation From Antennas and Microwaves

At levels of radiation normally accepted for public safety, no adverse effects have been confirmed by OSHA or the FCC. However, at higher levels of exposure, radiation can have thermal effects such as RF burns, blindness and sterility; and non-thermal effects such as alteration of the circadian rhythms, immune system and electrical signals communicated through cell membranes. The degree of damage depends on the susceptibility of the individual and the power and duration of the exposure.

  1. Thermal Effects

    • Thermal effects can be caused by exposure to high levels of RF energy, prolonged exposure to lower levels or direct contact with a powerful transmitting antenna. RF burns cause physical damage to body tissue, and burn from inside the body outward. These burns must heal from the inside the body, and, in less severe cases, outside effects such as blisters may not appear for several days after the burn occurs. Blindness can be caused by high levels of energy causing thermal damage to the more sensitive tissues of the eyes. More subtle thermal damage can cause sterilization without causing any actual pain. It is even possible that the victim does not know that the damage has occurred.

    Effects on the Circadian Rhythms

    • The circadian rhythms are the daily biological clock that runs on a twenty four hour cycle in the biochemical, physiological and behavioral processes of all living things, including plants and animals. Disruptions to this clock in human beings can cause a number of disorders including fatigue, insomnia and sleep disorders. Bipolar disorder is also associated with circadian rhythms. There can, of course, be other causes for disruption of the biological clock. However, OSHA reports on their web site that it has been demonstrated that radiation from antennas and microwaves can disrupt the circadian clock.

    Effects on the Immune System

    • Dr. Olle Johansson of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden reported in "Evidence for Effects on the Immune System," presented in July of 2007, that the effects on the immune system can include, among other dangers, chronic allergic responses, morphological alterations of immune cells, profound increases in mast cells in the upper skin layers, a decreased count of T lymphocytes, deterioration or inflammation of mast cells, changes in lymphocyte viability and a decreased count of NK cells. This report also states that "The current international public safety limits for EMFs do not appear to be sufficiently protective of public health..."

    Effects on Body's Electrical Signals and Medical Devices

    • Some medical devices, such as pacemakers and apnea monitors, treat or monitor symptoms electrically. Radiation can affect not only the body's electrical system but also these devices. With an ever increasing number of these devices, and devices that can interfere with them, the dangers could be elevating. If you have such a medical device, be aware that there is a possibility of interference from radiation from antennas and microwaves. Also be aware that new problems could arise at any time, and keep a sufficient distance from any radiating device that seems to cause a problem. Also keep in close communication with your doctor to find out about new developments.

    OSHA and Safety Programs

    • Personnel working near high levels of radiation need to be particularly aware of the dangers. And because of the growing concern over radiation from antennas and microwaves, OSHA has developed a list of safety programs that can be found at the OSHA website. Included are programs from OSHA itself, the FCC, the Department of Defense, the NATO Standardization Agreement, Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) and the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES). If you believe someone is transmitting dangerous or illegal signals, call the FCC at 1-800-CALL FCC.

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