Physiological effects of 2.8 GHz radio-frequency radiation: a comparison of pulsed and continuous-wave radiation

Ketamine-anesthetized female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed individually to far-field 2.8 GHz continuous wave (CW) and pulsed (2 microseconds, 500 pps) radio-frequency radiation (RFR) at average power densities of 30, 45, and 60 mW/cm2 [specific absorption rates (SAR) of 8.4, 12.6, and 16.8 W/kg, respectively] and to pulsed RFR at 75 mW/cm2 (SAR = 21 W/kg). Intermittent exposures were conducted to repeatedly increase colonic temperature from 38.5 to 39.5 degrees C. Colonic, tympanic, and subcutaneous temperatures, electrocardiogram, respiratory rate, and arterial blood pressure were continuously monitored and recorded. The time required to effect a 1 degree C colonic temperature increase varied inversely with the average power density used during exposure; however, the rate of cooling was independent of the heating rate. During pulsed irradiation, heart rate increased significantly at average power densities above 30 mW/cm2; heart rate increase during CW exposure was not significant. Heart rate returned to baseline when exposure was discontinued. Blood pressure and respiratory rate did not significantly change during irradiation. Pulsed RFR exposure caused a significantly greater increase in subcutaneous and tympanic temperatures than did CW exposure; however, no significant difference was noted between the effects of CW or pulsed RFR upon the rats' colonic temperature responses (heating and cooling time), heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.