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Reduced exposure to microwave radiation by rats: frequency specific effects
J A D'Andrea1, J R DeWitt, L M Portuguez
1Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112.
Progress in Clinical and Biological Research
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Rats avoided microwave radiation exposure, demonstrating behavioral consequences of specific radiofrequency-specific Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) hotspots. This avoidance threshold was identified for 2450-MHz microwaves.
Area of Science:
- Electromagnetics
- Animal Behavior
- Radiofrequency Exposure
Background:
- Previous studies identified Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) "hotspots" in rats, with thermal dissipation limited by blood flow.
- SAR hotspots are radiation frequency-specific and may have behavioral implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if radiation frequency-specific SAR hotspot formation in rats leads to behavioral changes.
- To determine the threshold for avoidance behavior in response to microwave radiation exposure.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Rats chose between two sides of a cage, with one side initiating microwave exposure (360-MHz, 700-MHz, or 2450-MHz).
- Behavioral avoidance was measured by changes in preferred side occupancy during radiation exposure.
- Experiment 2: Semi-chronic exposures assessed the threshold for reduced exposure to 2450-MHz microwaves.
Main Results:
- Rats significantly reduced occupancy of the side associated with microwave exposure.
- Avoidance of 360-MHz and 2450-MHz microwaves differed significantly from 700-MHz microwaves.
- The threshold for reduced exposure to 2450-MHz microwaves was between 2.1 and 2.8 W/kg whole-body SAR.
Conclusions:
- Microwave radiation exposure, specifically SAR hotspots, induces behavioral avoidance in rats.
- The behavioral response is frequency-dependent, with distinct avoidance patterns observed for different microwave frequencies.
- A specific SAR threshold exists for avoidance behavior, particularly for 2450-MHz radiation.