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Radiofrequency and Microwave Effects on Immunological and Hematopoietic Systems

  • Chapter
Biological Effects and Dosimetry of Nonionizing Radiation

Part of the book series: NATO Advanced Study Institutes Series ((NSSA,volume 49))

Abstract

In technologically advanced countries, radiofrequency and microwave radiation (RF/MWR) is interwoven with daily life, affecting all to some degree, many to a greater degree. Studies by numerous investigators have raised the possibility that the immunological and hematological systems of humans and experimental animals are particularly susceptible to RF/MWR. Several recent and extensive reviews are available (1–4). The major goal of this paper is to indicate the complex nature of the hematological and particularly the immunological systems, the impact of thermoregulation and temperature changes on immune function, and the general nature of available (published) data on RF/MWR effects. The possible effects of microwaves on one cell type of particular interest, namely the lymphocyte, will be examined in greater depth, to illustrate both the known and the missing data, as well as confounding parameters. Thus, it is hoped that this review will not only indicate our current limited knowledge, but will provide some guidelines for design and evaluation of future reports.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York, 14642, USA

    Norbert J. Roberts Jr.

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  1. Norbert J. Roberts Jr.
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Superior Institute of Health, Rome, Italy

    Martino Grandolfo

  2. University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA

    Sol M. Michaelson

  3. National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Frascati, Italy

    Alessandro Rindi

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© 1983 Plenum Press, New York

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Roberts, N.J. (1983). Radiofrequency and Microwave Effects on Immunological and Hematopoietic Systems. In: Grandolfo, M., Michaelson, S.M., Rindi, A. (eds) Biological Effects and Dosimetry of Nonionizing Radiation. NATO Advanced Study Institutes Series, vol 49. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-4253-3_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-4253-3_19

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-4255-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-4253-3

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