TITLE: The effects of electromagnetic fields on the nervous
system
Document ID: 19760023704 N (76N30792) File Series: NASA Technical Reports
Report Number: None
Sales Agency & Price: Univ. Microfilms Order No. 76-17430
Authors:
Chou, C. K. (Washington Univ.)
Published: Jan 01, 1975
Corporate Source:
Washington Univ. (Seattle, WA, United States)
Pages: 129
Contract Number: None
NASA Subject Category: AEROSPACE MEDICINE
Abstract:
The effects of electromagnetic fields on isolated nerves, ganglia, and muscles
were studied in vitro. An S band wave guide exposure system in conjunction with a
temperature controlled unit were used to expose the nervous tissues or muscle at a
constant temperature. Results showed no effect other than thermal on the
characteristics of nerves and muscles exposed to 2450 MHz microwave fields at
specific absorption rate of 0.3 - 1500 W/kg for CW and 0.3 - 220 kW/kg peak for
pulsed fields. The mechanisms of the microwave auditory effect were also
investigated. Experiments on low frequency noise masking showed that only the high
frequency portion of the auditory system is involved in the effect. The 50 kHz
cochlear microphonics in guinea pig induced by microwave and laser pulses, as well as
bone-conducted acoustic stimuli provided by a piezoelectric crystal, indicated that
the microwave auditory effect is accompanied by a mechanical disturbance of the hair
cells of the cochlea. The disturbance is probably due to thermal expansion in the
head.
Major Subject Terms:
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
MUSCLES
NERVOUS SYSTEM
RADIOBIOLOGY
MUSCLES 
