The Cumulative Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Low Levels of Radiofrequency Radiation (RFR),
Abstract
One primary concern about nonionizing radiofrequency radiation (RFR) has been accumulation of subtle injury over a long period of time, resulting in a delayed expression of harmful effect. In the case of RFR, a general consensus has been achieved among standard-setters that, for acute exposures, the threshold for ill effects lies above a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4 W/kg. Since hazard (injury) has been verified only above this threshold, one might conclude that the current approach of applying a safety factor of 10 or more to this level would adequately protect the population at risk. Unfortunately this is not the case. Lack of data derived from true long-term experiments or from epidemiological studies of defined exposures to a human population has prevented a consensus from being reached for these kinds of exposures. In 1978, the U.S. Air Force, with the University of Washington, embarked on the most ambitious long-term low-level RFR study ever attempted. After 2 years of facility and equipment design, exposure device construction, protocol development and refinement, and pilot operation, a definitive study was initiated in September 1980. After 25 months of continuous exposure, the test was completed in September 1982. Data analysis and tissue examination were completed 1 year later, and the results are being published in a series of nine technical reports, of which the ninth is an overall summary and interpretation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADP004964
Entities
People
- J. H. Krupp
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine