United States Air Force Support of Radio Frequency Radiation Health and Safety: Bioeffects, Dosimetry, and Standards

Abstract

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is one of the world's largest developers and users of radio frequency radiation (RFR) emitting systems, with an estimated 8000 different types in the inventory. Technology exploiting RFR for radar, communications, and anti-electronic weapons supports U. S. and allied defense forces globally and is likely to become even more critical in the future [1]. In the use of such systems, humans and the environment invariably incur some exposure to low levels of RFR and military personnel, in particular, run a risk of accidental exposure to higher levels. There are well established bioelectromagnetic interactions from exposures in excess of standardized limits that can pose health and safety concerns for humans, including burns, stimulation of excitable tissue, shock, and increased thermal burden. Since our knowledge of the physical world is never complete, there is always the possibility of yet to be discovered hazards, especially relating to long-term or repeated exposures. For example, some epidemiological studies have suggested greater health risk for military personnel engaged in occupational specialties that provide the possibility of greater RFR exposure [2, 3].