Operant Behavior and Colonic Temperature of Rhesus Monkeys, Macaca mulatta, Exposed to Microwaves at Frequencies above and Near Whole-Body Resonance.
Abstract
Microwave radiation is extensively used in environments occupied by naval personnel. Recently scientific reports have indicated that behavioral changes can be induced by relatively low levels of microwave energy. The reported behavioral changes do not reflect the beneficial or detrimental nature of such changes. The present study was designed to produce in a non-human primate a behavior analogous to human behavior and discover if that behavior was enhanced, disrupted or not affected by microwave energy from radar sources similar to those currently in use in naval communications and weapons systems. Performance by five rhesus monkeys on an observing-response task requiring sustained vigilance was assessed when the monkeys were consecutively exposed to microwaves at frequencies of 1.3 GHz, 5.8 GHz, and 225 MHz. Observing-response performance was impaired at increasingly intense power densities at all frequencies. The threshold power density necessary to disrupt performance at 225 MHz was 8.1 mW/sq.cm.; at 1.3 GHz it was 57 mW/sq.cm, and at 5.8 GHz it was 140mW/sq.cm. These power densities were associated with increases in colonic temperatures above sham exposure levels. The mean increase was typically in the range of 1 C and response rate changes were not observed in the absence of concomitant temperature increases.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA127326
Entities
People
- John O. De Lorge
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory