Scientists concerned at microwave study

Press, 23 August 1984, Page 6

Scientists concerned at microwave study

NZPA-AP Washington Glandular changes and a higher rate of cancer were found among laboratory rats chronically exposed to low-intensity microwaves, according to a study by Washington University researchers. Results emerging from the study sponsored by the United States Air Force have prompted substantial concern among researchers investigating the biological and health effects of nonionising radiation, according to “Microwave News,” a specialised scientific newsletter. “In addition to a general increase in cancer incidence, the experimental results suggest that microwave exposure is responsible for wide-ranging effects related to the adrenal glands and the entire endocrine system,” the publication reported. The adrenal glands, adjacent to the kidneys, and other glands of the endocrine system produce chemical hormones vital to the regulation of many bodily functions. The “Microwave News” account noted that the findings could provide an exper-

imental basis for widely reported complaints of headaches, -dizziness, memory loss and fatigue from workers chronically exposed to. microwave radiation. Microwave radiation is emitted by a wide variety of sources including thousands of military and civilian radar installations, satellite ground stations, relay towers for long-distance telephone links, and television transmitters, as well as microwave ovens and citizen’s band radios. United States Government microwave-oven regulations require that at the time of sale, radiation emitted from the devices must not exceed 1000 microwatts per square centimetre, measured at a distance of scm from the oven’s outside surface. For older ovens, the limit rises to a maximum of 5000 microwatts per sq cm. Washington University’s research team, headed by Professor Arthur Guy at the university’s school of medicine in Seattle, exposed rats for up to 25 months to pulsed microwaves at a level of 480 microwatts per sq cm. Results of the study were

presented at a scientific conference last month in Atlanta. The researchers disclosed that there were 16 malignant tumours among 100 exposed rats, compared with four tumours among 100 control animals. The 16 tumours in exposed rats included seven involving the endocrine system — two thyroid, two pituitary and three adrenal gland tumours. Dr Samuel Milham, an epidemiologist for the Washington State Health Department, said results of the study appeared to point to a “stress reaction” in the exposed animals. J Tt looks like the microwave radiation may have been a tumour promoter,” he said. “It didn’t initiate the cancers, but once some cancer cells got going it promoted growth of the tumours.” Dr Milham has conducted statistical reviews that found increased rates of leukaemia among powerstation operators, aluminium workers, and power and telephone linemen, as well as other workers regularly exposed to electric and magnetic fields.