Considerations in the evaluation of the biological effects of exposure to microwave radiation.

The increasing use of microwave (SHF) and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) radiation in industry and in the home suggests the need for a re-evaluation of the available information concerning the biological effects of such exposures. A review of the thermal (> 10mW/cm2) and nonthermal effects of microwave and UHF exposure on organisms, organs, cells, bacteria, and biological molecules is presented, as well as the exposure limits that have been based on such data. It is suggested that the area of greatest uncertainty is the effects of nonthermal exposure on the central nervous system. Suggestions are made for additional research on the effects of nonthermal exposures at various levels of biological systems.