Biological and Health Effects of Microwave Radio Frequency Transmissions: A Review of the Research Literature

A group of physicians lead by Paul Dart, MD, prepared an outstanding review of the research literature on radio frequency (RF) transmissions and health. This effort was made to persuade the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) in Oregon to be responsible in the use of technology, with full consideration of the health effects of RF. Electrohypersensitivity, a condition brought on by excessive RF exposure, is discussed along with the potential dangers of using “smart meters.”

“Biological and Health Effects of Microwave Radio Frequency Transmissions: A Review of the Research Literature”  (June 2013) is a major contribution to the field. It could be used by others wanting to make an impact in their own community.

Executive Summary for the report:

The FCC regulations for permissible exposures to microwave radio frequency (RF) transmissions are only designed to protect against the thermal effects of high exposure levels. Representatives of the telecommunications industry usually assert that there is “no clear or conclusive” scientific evidence regarding the biological effects of low level or “nonthermal” RF exposures. But in actuality, a large body of scientific research documents that RF exposures at low levels can produce adverse biological or health effects.

The installation of RF-transmitting “smart meters” by our electric utility could significantly increase the level of RF exposure in Eugene’s residential neighborhoods.Such an increase carries potential health risks. The nature of these risks needs to be carefully considered before making a decision to deploy this technology.Any decision-making process that ignores this possibility of harm could cause significantly damage both to community health and to EWEB’s goodwill in the community.

The document is organized into six sections:

1. An introduction into some of the issues involved in the “smart meter” Advanced Metering Infrastructure.
2. A review of the scientific research documenting the existence of acute reactions to “non-thermal” levels of RF exposure — reactions which in their most severe form are called electrohypersensitivity syndrome (EHS).
3. A review of the function of melatonin, of evidence that RF exposure can suppress melatonin, and of the short and long term consequences of melatonin suppression.
4. A review of the long term effects of RF exposure, especially the production of oxidative stress that can lead to DNA damage and increased levels of cancer and infertility.
5. A review of current research regarding relationship of cellular and cordless telephone use to increased risk of brain tumors.
6. A discussion of our conclusions and recommendations to EWEB, based on this review of the scientific literature.

See the full report here in PDF format.