Radio Frequency Exposure in Military Contexts: A Narrative Review of Thermal Effects and Safety Considerations

Radiofrequency (RF) exposure has been extensively studied for potential health risks. Unlike ionizing radiation, RF fields primarily cause thermal health effects, the only established mechanism of biological harm. Regulatory bodies, including the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), set limits to prevent excessive heating. This review examines the relationship between RF exposure, heat generation, and physiological responses, with relevance to civilian and military safety.

A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature, regulatory reports, and experimental studies was conducted using PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar and Scopus. Emphasis was placed on Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and Cumulative Equivalent Minutes at 43 °C (CEM43). Studies on thermal effects and exposure scenarios were prioritized; speculative non-thermal mechanisms were excluded.

Thermal effects depend on frequency, tissue composition, and environmental conditions. Whole-body SAR limits (≤4 W/kg) generally prevent core temperature increases, but localized heating remains a concern. CEM43 provides a temperature-based metric but is difficult to apply in transient exposures. Penetration depth across NATO frequency bands shows variability because of differences in tissue models and measurement methods. This variability is clinically relevant, as localized heating of the skin, eye, or superficial nerves may occur even when whole-body exposure is within limits.

Current guidelines prevent systemic overheating but may not fully address localized risks. Combining SAR and CEM43 with refined penetration depth data could improve risk assessment. Future work should refine dose-response thresholds and methods for detecting and modeling localized heating, especially under military conditions where thermoregulation may be impaired.