The Physical Basis of Electromagnetic Interactions with Biological Systems 1977

The Physical Basis of Electromagnetic Interactions with Biological Systems 1977

The 1977 workshop titled “The Physical Basis of Electromagnetic Interactions with Biological Systems,” held at the University of Maryland, was a significant event that brought together experts to explore how electromagnetic fields interact with biological entities. Sponsored by the Office of Naval Research, the Naval Medical Research and Development Command, and the Bureau of Radiological Health of the Food and Drug Administration, the workshop aimed to deepen the understanding of these interactions, especially given the increasing use of devices emitting radiofrequency and microwave radiation. citeturn0search1

Key Objectives of the Workshop:

• Understanding Interaction Mechanisms: Delving into how electromagnetic fields, particularly in the radiofrequency and microwave spectra, affect biological systems.
• Informing Safety Standards: Providing insights crucial for developing regulatory standards and exposure control methods to ensure public health safety.
• Exploring Therapeutic Applications: Investigating potential medical applications of electromagnetic fields in treatments and therapies.

Notable Contributions:

The workshop featured a series of presentations and discussions, with topics including:

• Biological Effects of Microwave and Radiofrequency Exposure: S. Cleary provided a comprehensive survey of observed biological effects and proposed mechanisms.
• Molecular Absorption Mechanisms: K.D. Straub discussed how non-ionizing radiation is absorbed at the molecular level within biological systems.
• Quantum Mechanical Mechanisms: I. Grodsky explored cooperative quantum mechanical processes that might explain resonance absorption of non-ionizing radiation.
• Microwave Interactions with Biological Systems: H. Schwan presented a classical theoretical framework for understanding these interactions.
• Microwave Frequencies and DNA Structure: E. Prohofsky examined the potential impacts of microwave frequencies on the structure of the DNA double helix.

The proceedings from this workshop have been made available for public access, offering valuable insights into the foundational understanding of electromagnetic field interactions with biological systems. citeturn0search2

This workshop’s discussions have significantly influenced subsequent research and policy-making, particularly in areas related to public health and safety standards concerning electromagnetic exposure.

The Physical Basis of Electromagnetic Interactions with Biological Systems, 1977

---

A workshop sponsored by the Office of Naval Research, the Naval Medical Research and Development Command, and the Bureau of Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration was held at the University of Maryland in 1977.

This volume contains the proceedings of a Workshop on the Physical Basis of Electromagnetic Interactions with Biological Systems held at the University of Maryland on June 15-17, 1977. The workshop was sponsored by the Office of Naval Research, the Naval Medical Research and Development Command and the Bureau of Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration.

The wide application of industrial, commercial and military devices and systems which radiate frequencies in the radiofrequency and microwave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum plus numerous only partially understood indications of microwave effects upon living organisms have raised important questions of the physical basis of the interactions of electromagnetic fields with biological systems. These questions must be answered if the development of regulatory standards and of methods and techniques for controlling radiofrequency and microwave exposure is to be achieved. The same questions must be answered in connection with present and proposed therapeutic applications of these waves. The rapid increase in the use of these frequencies makes these questions matters of imperative concern, particularly in view of the possibilities of cumulative or delayed effects of exposure.

The study of electromagnetic interactions with biological systems brings together diverse specialties in the fields of physics, engineering, biology and chemistry in a highly interdependent way. Progress towards practical solutions of the problems involved will depend upon the development of experimental techniques and instruments and of a sufficient general theoretical base to inform and react with the experimental investigations. The purpose of the Workshop on the Physical Basis of Electromagnetic Interactions with Biological Systems was to bring together the leading investigators in the field to present the results of recent research, to determine the present status of the field and the priority of significant problem areas, and to critically evaluate conflicting theoretical interpretations and experimental techniques.

Table of Contents

1. Survey of Microwave and Radiofrequency Biological Effects and Mechanisms. S. Cleary.
2. Molecular Absorption of Non-Ionizing Radiation in Biological Systems. K. D. Straub.
3. Millimeter Wave and Far-Infrared Absorption in Biological Systems. K. Illinger.
4. Cooperative Quantum Mechanical Mechanisms for Resonance Absorption of Non-Ionizing Radiation. I. Grodsky.
5. Basics of ELF Fields and Biosphere Effects. O. Schmitt.
6. Possible Mechanisms of Weak Electromagnetic Field Coupling in Brain Tissue. s. M. Bawin, A. Sheppard and W. R. Adey.
7. Classical Theory of Microwave Interactions with Biological Systems. H. Schwan.
8. Determination of Bound Water in Biological Materials from Dielectric Measurements. E. Grant.
9. Interfacial and Intracellular Water: Expected Anomalies in Dielectric Properties. J. S. Clegg and W. Drost-Hansen.
10. Microwave Frequencies and the Structure of the Double Helix. E. Prohofsky.
11. Techniques of Raman Spectroscopy Applied to Study the Effects of Microwaves upon Synthetic and Naturally Occurring Lipid Membranes. J. P. Sheridan, R. Priest, P. Schoen, and J. M. Schnur.
12. Evanescent Waves and Waves in Absorbing Media. L. Felsen.
13. Microwave and RF Dosimetry. c. K. Chou and A. w. Guy.
14. Electric Field Measurements Within Biological Media. A. Cheung.
15. Some Recent Results on Deposition of Electromagnetic Energy in Animals and Models of Man. o. P. Gandhi and M. J. Hagmann.
16. Thermometry in Strong Electromagnetic Fields. T. c. Cetas.
17. Non-Perturbing Microprobes for Measurements in Electromagnetic Fields. A. Deficis and A. Priou.
18. The Viscometric Thermometer. c. A. Cain, M. M. Chen, K. L. Lam and J. Mullin.
19. Microwave Thermography: Physical Principles and Diagnostic Applications. P. C. Myers and A. H. Barrett.
20. Design and Standardization of Exposure Systems for RF and Microwave Experimentation. M. L. Swicord and H. S. Ho.
21. Calibration Techniques for Microwave and RF Exposure Measurement Devices. H. I. Bassen.
22. Workshop Summary: S. Cleary.
23. Panel Discussion – Principal Speakers and Participants.
24. Workshop Attendees.

---

The Military Implications of Electromagnetic Interactions with Biological Systems

The study of electromagnetic interactions with biological systems has long been a topic of interest for both civilian health research and military strategy. Since the mid-20th century, governments and defense agencies have investigated the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) with the dual purpose of understanding potential health risks to personnel and developing strategic applications for warfare. The 1977 workshop, “The Physical Basis of Electromagnetic Interactions with Biological Systems,” was a landmark event that contributed significantly to this field, shedding light on the risks, military applications, and protective measures against electromagnetic exposure.

Military Applications of Electromagnetic Fields

Electromagnetic Weapons and Biological Warfare

Electromagnetic energy can be weaponized to disrupt enemy troops’ physiological and neurological functions. Microwave and radiofrequency radiation have been studied for their ability to induce thermal and non-thermal effects on the human body. High-intensity electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) can temporarily or permanently disable enemy electronics, but research also indicates their potential to impair cognitive functions, disrupt nerve signaling, and induce stress responses in enemy soldiers.

Some potential applications include:

• Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs): These high-powered microwave (HPM) weapons can incapacitate enemy personnel by heating tissue and causing disorientation.
• Electromagnetic Crowd Control: The military has developed Active Denial Systems (ADS), which use millimeter waves to create an intense burning sensation on the skin, forcing adversaries to retreat without causing permanent damage.
• Neurocognitive Disruption: Research suggests that low-level electromagnetic radiation could be used to alter brainwave patterns, potentially leading to confusion, dizziness, or even long-term behavioral changes in exposed individuals.
• Electronic Suppression of Medical Infrastructure: By targeting electromagnetic-sensitive medical equipment, an adversary can disrupt field hospitals and battlefield medical responses.

Countermeasures and Protective Technologies for Military Personnel

As military forces continue to incorporate electronic and electromagnetic-based weaponry into their arsenals, defensive strategies to protect troops and equipment from these effects have become equally vital.

Key protective measures include:

• Electromagnetic Shielding: Modern combat gear incorporates Faraday cage technology to reduce exposure to harmful EMFs.
• Smart Uniforms: Advanced fabrics with conductive materials can mitigate electromagnetic exposure.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Helmets and vests designed to shield vital organs from microwave and radiofrequency radiation.
• Counter-Electromagnetic Warfare Units: Specialized military teams tasked with detecting and neutralizing electromagnetic attacks on the battlefield.

Health Risks and Military Personnel Protection

While electromagnetic fields can be used as weapons, prolonged exposure to these frequencies also poses health risks to soldiers and civilians alike. Studies from the 1977 workshop and subsequent research have identified concerns such as:

• Increased risk of cancers, particularly brain and blood cancers, due to prolonged EMF exposure.
• Neurological effects, including memory impairment, headaches, and cognitive dysfunction.
• Cardiovascular changes and increased stress responses in exposed individuals.
• Reproductive health issues, particularly among troops working with high-intensity radar and radio communication equipment.

Preventative Measures for Troops

To mitigate these risks, military organizations have established strict EMF exposure guidelines, including:

• Monitoring Exposure Levels: Implementing real-time EMF monitoring in operational zones.
• Rotating Personnel: Limiting time spent near high-intensity electromagnetic sources to reduce cumulative exposure.
• Shielded Bunkers and Sleeping Quarters: Providing EMF-safe rest areas to allow soldiers’ bodies to recover from exposure.
• Medical Surveillance Programs: Routine health screenings for troops working in electromagnetic-rich environments.

Electromagnetic Threats to Civilian Populations

Beyond the battlefield, electromagnetic technologies have potential consequences for civilian populations. Modern societies are increasingly surrounded by wireless networks, 5G towers, and other electromagnetic-emitting technologies, raising concerns over long-term exposure effects.

In times of conflict, targeted electromagnetic warfare could disrupt civilian infrastructure, including:

• Power Grids: EMPs could be used to take down electrical infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts.
• Communication Networks: High-frequency electromagnetic pulses could disable phone and internet networks, crippling emergency response capabilities.
• Medical Equipment Failures: Hospitals rely on electromagnetically sensitive devices such as pacemakers, ventilators, and MRI machines, which could malfunction under electromagnetic attacks.

Strategies for Civilian Protection

Governments must implement protective strategies to minimize civilian harm from electromagnetic warfare:

• Hardened Infrastructure: Building EMP-resistant power grids and communication systems.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating civilians on safe EMF exposure levels and protective measures.
• EMF-Safe Zones: Establishing designated safe areas in urban environments with minimal electromagnetic exposure.
• Legislative Oversight: Developing international regulations on the use of electromagnetic weapons to prevent civilian harm.

Conclusion

The 1977 symposium on electromagnetic interactions with biological systems provided critical insights into both the risks and potential applications of electromagnetic exposure. As military forces continue to advance in electronic warfare, ensuring the protection of troops and civilians alike is paramount. While electromagnetic weapons offer new strategic advantages, ethical and health considerations must guide their deployment to prevent long-term harm. Investing in shielding technologies, regulatory oversight, and public awareness will be essential in balancing military necessity with humanitarian concerns in an increasingly electromagnetic world.