Effects of Microwave Radiation Exposure on Behavioral Performance in Nonhuman Primates

Research conducted during the past three decades has shown that exposure of laboratory animals to radiofrequency radiation can cause a variety of behavioral changes. These changes range from subtle effects such as perception of microwave-induced sound to complete cessation of behavioral performance due to severe hyperthermia. A central theme of this research has been to determine a relationship between specific absorption rate (SAR) and adverse consequences of exposure to microwave radiation. Studies evaluating microwave exposure on the performance of well-learned opreant tasks have been the primary avenue for determining this relationship. This information provides a scientific data base from which safe exposure standards can be derived.