Author(s)

D. Adang, C. Remacle & A. Vander Vorst

Abstract

There is evidence that radio frequencies (RF) and microwaves directly affect living systems, as indicated by in vivo absorption experiments. Evidence is also provided by in vitro studies, revealing effects at various frequencies and intensities, on a number of cellular endpoints, including calcium binding, proliferation and alteration in membrane channels. There is ambiguity, however, about the relative contribution of direct and indirect non-thermal, i.e. lowthermal effects, as well as the possibility of direct low-thermal interactions. In this study, a possible causal link between microwave radiation (radar, cellular phone) and physiological and cellular changes is being evaluated by an epidemiological animal study on 128 rats, for 1.5 year. In order to assess the possible biological long-term effects of microwaves, we selected among others the following blood and hormonal parameters: lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, erythrocytes, platelets, cytokines, corticosterone and ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone). There is lack of knowledge about the biological mechanisms of the exposure to such low-level electromagnetic fields. Keywords: electromagnetic fields, long-term biological effects, low-thermal, radar, cellular phone, microwaves, environmental risk. 1 Introduction Radio frequencies (RF) and microwaves are non-ionizing, unlike much higher frequency waves above the visible range. The interaction of RF/microwaves with

Keywords

electromagnetic fields, long-term biological effects, low-thermal, radar, cellular phone, microwaves, environmental risk.