Biological Effects Of Microwaves

Focussing on engineering aspects of RF/Microwave interaction with biological tissues This book discusses the advancement in bio-electromagnetics pertaining to this important issue of electromagentic field-bio interaction vis-a-vis the emission of electromagnetic radiations from mobile phones and their biological fallout. Divided into six chapters, it discusses basic issues in Electromagnetic Field-Biointeraction, dosimetery, instrumentation, and methods of measurement of specific absorption rate, criteria and magnitude of safe exposure and measurements of field in an open (unobstructed) environment.

During the last 35 years, there has been considerable develop ment and increase in the number of devices that emit nonionizing radiant energies. These energies such as radiofrequency including microwaves are used in all sectors of our society for military, industrial. telecommunications, medical, and consumer applications. This increase in sources of nonionizing radiant energies has resulted in growing interest on the part of government regulatory agencies, industrial and military physicians, research workers, clinicians, and environmentalists. Although there is information on biologic effects and potential hazards to man from exposure to microwave/radiofrequency energies, considerable confusion and misinformation has permeated not only the public press but also some scientific and technical publications. Because of the complexity of the interactions of nonionizing radiation in biological systems, an inter-disciplinary approach is necessary to assess and elucidate the problems that evolve as this field advances and as the use of these energies expands. It is important to maintain a proper perspective and assess realistically the biomedical effects of these radiant energies so that the worker or general public will not be unduly exposed nor will research, development and beneficial utilization of these energies be hampered or restricted by an undue concern for effects which may be nonexis tent or minimal in comparison to other environmental hazards.

From engineering fundamentals to cutting-edge clinical applications This book examines the biological effects of RF/microwaves and their medical applications. Readers will discover new developments in therapeutic applications in such areas as cardiology, urology, surgery, ophthalmology, and oncology. The authors also present developing applications in such areas as cancer detection and organ imaging. Focusing on frequency ranges from 100 kHz to 10 GHz, RF/Microwave Interaction with Biological Tissues is divided into six chapters: * Fundamentals in Electromagnetics--examines penetration of RF/microwaves into biological tissues; skin effect; relaxation effects in materials and the Cole-Cole model (display); the near field of an antenna; blackbody radiation and the various associated laws; and microwave measurements. * RF/Microwave Interaction Mechanisms in Biological Materials--includes a section devoted to the fundamentals of thermodynamics and a discussion on energy and entropy. * Biological Effects--investigates the effects of radio frequency fields on the nervous system, the brain and spinal cord, the blood-brain barrier, and cells and membranes. * Thermal Therapy--includes a description of applicators and an extensive discussion on the foundation of dielectric heating and inductive heating. * EM-Wave Absorbers Protecting the Biological and Medical Environment--investigates materials for EM-wave absorbers from both a theoretical and applications perspective. Special attention is given to ferrite absorbers. * RF/Microwave Delivery Systems for Therapeutic Applications--begins with the fundamental features of major components used in RF/microwave delivery systems for therapeutic applications. New research towards the development of future measurement techniques is also presented. The book features problem sets at the end of each chapter, making it an excellent introduction for bioengineering and engineering students. Researchers, physicians, and technicians in the field will also find this an excellent reference that offers all the fundamentals, the most cutting-edge applications, and insight into future developments. An Instructor's Manual presenting detailed solutions to all the problems in the book is available from the Wiley editorial department.

This book examines the human auditory effects of exposure to directed beams of high-power microwave pulses, which research results have shown can cause a cascade of health events when aimed at a human subject or the subject’s head. The book details multidisciplinary investigations using physical theories and models, physiological events and phenomena, and computer analysis and simulation. Coverage includes brain anatomy and physiology, dosimetry of microwave power deposition, microwave auditory effect, interaction mechanisms, shock/pressure wave induction, Havana syndrome, and application in microwave thermoacoustic tomography (MTT). The book will be welcomed by scientists, academics, health professionals, government officials, and practicing biomedical engineers as an important contribution to the continuing study of the effects of microwave pulse absorption on humans.