Answer to Question #3472 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Microwaves, Radar, and Radiofrequency — Microwaves and Radiofrequency

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

My husband has neurofibromas on both his feet which are growing larger and more painful. He also has prostate cancer. He is the first in his family with either one of these diseases and he feels that these were caused, in part at least, by working closely with radar equipment on navy ships during the Korean War. Is there any documentation of this or could you please point me in right direction to ask pertinent questions and receive answers?

The only proven biological injury from radar is the result of its very short wavelength radio waves, commonly called microwaves. Like microwave ovens, high exposures to radar emissions cause heating in exposed tissue. If the heating is sufficient, the tissue dies. Normal blood flow provides cooling, so long exposures in very close proximity to radar emissions are usually required for significant injury. Exceptions to this are the eyes and testes, where blood flow cooling is weak. There have been several claims of other biological injuries from microwaves, including induction of cancer. However, none of these have been confirmed by independent research. Most of them came from research done in the former Soviet Union. One possible exception: if shields are removed from operating radar systems, there may be x-ray emissions, which could cause all the injuries that ionizing radiations cause, including induction of cancer—again provided that people are in close proximity to the unshielded systems. An accident of this nature happened with a very early radar system, and some people were injured. Since that time, workers have been warned and have been careful not to let this occur.

S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD

Answer posted on March 5, 2004. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.