Review of the biological effects due to high-power microwaves exposure.

Abstract

High power microwaves (HPMs), characterized by frequencies spanning from 1 GHz to 300 GHz and peak power exceeding 100 MW, have numerous applications but also pose considerable health hazards. This review discusses the biological effects of HPMs on various human and animal cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Notably, HPMs can damage brain structures, particularly the hippocampus, causing oxidative stress and DNA damage, which in turn contribute to cognitive impairment. The immune system is subject to dual effects from HPMs, exhibiting both stimulatory and suppressive immune responses contingent on the specifics of exposure details. In the reproductive system, HPMs are observe to diminish male fertility by interfering with spermatogenesis and semen quality, although antioxidants may mitigate these effects. Furthermore, HPMs may exacerbate skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, and potentially accelerate the onset of skin cancer. With regard to cardiovascular health, these effects are usually transient, mainly affecting blood pressure and heart rate, but ultimately not impairing them. Furthermore, HPMs in agricultural production, sterilization and other beneficial effects have been found. This review provides valuable references for the investigation of the biological effects and the underlying mechanisms of HPM, as well as for the revision of related standards and guidelines.