The Effects of Low-level Radiofrequency and Microwave Radiation on Brain Tissue and Animal Behaviour

Summary

There has been much public interest and controversy about the effects of exposure to low levels of microwave and radiofrequency radiation. Of particular interest are reports of radiation-induced changes in brain tissue and animal behaviour. This review considers the evidence supporting some of these effects.

The main conclusions of the review are: (1) The levels of tracer substances in the brain tissue of conscious or anaesthetized animals can be altered by acute exposure to microwave radiation that is sufficient to raise the brain temperature by several degrees Celsius. However, the results of such experiments are difficult to interpret, being in some cases contradictory or influenced by various confounding factors, and the data cannot be considered sufficient to recommend a threshold for human tolerance. (2) The evidence that calcium ion exchange in living nervous tissues is affected by amplitude-modulated radiofrequency and microwave radiation is inconclusive. (3) Exposure sufficient to cause an increase in core temperature of about 1°C, corresponding to specific energy absorption rates of about 2–8 W kg⁻¹ may adversely affect animal behaviour.

• microwaves
• behaviour
• calcium efflux
• blood brain barrier