A Brief Survey of Literature Relating to the Influence of Low Intensity Microwaves on Nervous Function

Ronald J. MacGregor

Expert InsightsPublished 1970

Reviews recent reports, mostly from the Soviet Union, indicating that microwaves of intensity far below U.S. safety limits may produce many deleterious effects on organisms. Insomnia, irritability, loss of memory, fatigue, headache, tremor, hallucinations, and autonomic disorders are among reported symptoms. The radiation considered is in the 10 (exp 8) to 10 (exp 11) cps range, with intensity less than about 10 mw per sq cm. Outside the Soviet Union, there has been little experimentation concerning the influence of microwaves on neuroelectric events. The reported swelling of nerve cells is in itself sufficient to account for all the anomalies reported; it is also likely to be accompanied by changes in electrolyte concentrations that could have even more seriously disruptive effects. Various neurophysiological mechanisms that might produce these results are suggested for research.

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MacGregor, Ronald J., A Brief Survey of Literature Relating to the Influence of Low Intensity Microwaves on Nervous Function. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1970. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P4397.html.
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