Low-level Electromagnetic Fields Research Articles

Controversy in Electromagnetic Safety

The dramatic increase in electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the environment has led to public health concerns around the world. Based on over 70 years of research in this field, the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that scientific knowledge in this area is now more extensive than for most chemicals and that current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields. However, controversy on electromagnetic safety continues. Two international groups, the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, have been addressing this issue for decades. While the goal of both groups is to provide human exposure limits that protect against established or substantiated adverse health effects, there are groups that advocate more stringent exposure limits, based on possible biological effects. Both biological and engineering complexities make the validity of many EMF studies questionable. Controversies in research, publication, standards, regulations and risk communication concerning electromagnetic safety will be addressed in this article. The WHO is conducting systematic reviews on the RF biological effects literature. If scientists would discuss the safety issues of EMFs based on validated scientific facts and not on unreproducible possible effects and opinions, the controversy would be minimized or resolved.

Low-level EMF effects on wildlife and plants: What research tells us about an ecosystem approach.

There is enough evidence to indicate we may be damaging non-human species at ecosystem and biosphere levels across all taxa from rising background levels of anthropogenic non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 0 Hz to 300 GHz. The focus of this Perspective paper is on the unique physiology of non-human species, their extraordinary sensitivity to both natural and anthropogenic EMF, and the likelihood that artificial EMF in the static, extremely low frequency (ELF) and radiofrequency (RF) ranges of the non-ionizing electromagnetic spectrum are capable at very low intensities of adversely affecting both fauna and flora in all species studied. Any existing exposure standards are for humans only; wildlife is unprotected, including within the safety margins of existing guidelines, which are inappropriate for trans-species sensitivities and different non-human physiology. Mechanistic, genotoxic, and potential ecosystem effects are discussed.

Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 3. Exposure standards, public policy, laws, and future directions.

Due to the continuous rising ambient levels of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs) used in modern societies-primarily from wireless technologies-that have now become a ubiquitous biologically active environmental pollutant, a new vision on how to regulate such exposures for non-human species at the ecosystem level is needed. Government standards adopted for human exposures are examined for applicability to wildlife. Existing environmental laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S. and others used in Canada and throughout Europe, should be strengthened and enforced. New laws should be written to accommodate the ever-increasing EMF exposures. Radiofrequency radiation exposure standards that have been adopted by worldwide agencies and governments warrant more stringent controls given the new and unusual signaling characteristics used in 5G technology. No such standards take wildlife into consideration. Many species of flora and fauna, because of distinctive physiologies, have been found sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that surpass human reactivity. Such exposures may now be capable of affecting endogenous bioelectric states in some species. Numerous studies across all frequencies and taxa indicate that low-level EMF exposures have numerous adverse effects, including on orientation, migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance, defense, vitality, longevity, and survivorship. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have long been observed. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as 'habitat' so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. A robust dialog regarding technology's high-impact role in the nascent field of electroecology needs to commence. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards should be set accordingly for wildlife, including, but not limited to, the redesign of wireless devices, as well as infrastructure, in order to reduce the rising ambient levels (explored in Part 1). Possible environmental approaches are discussed. This is Part 3 of a three-part series.

Sleep latency in poor nappers under exposure to weak 2-Hz and 8-Hz electromagnetic fields

ABSTRACT It was hypothesized that human sleep might respond to the fields emitted by such natural sources as magnetic activity of the sun and the earth’s magnetic fields. However, the experiments aimed on testing this hypothesis remain scarce. Previously, we found an increase in the amounts of stages N2 or N3 during napping of good sleepers under exposure to low-level (0.004 μT) electromagnetic fields of frequencies 1 Hz or 2 Hz. It remains unexplored whether these fields might additionally decrease latency to stage N1. In this study, we selected 13 people with falling asleep problems to examine the effects of low-level electromagnetic fields on sleep latency. Sleep of these study participants was polysomnographically recorded during three 50-min afternoon napping attempts, either with exposure to either 2 Hz/0.004 μT or 8 Hz/0.004 μT electromagnetic fields or without exposure. We did not find that the sham exposure differed from the 2 Hz and 8 Hz exposures in latency to N1, while latency to N2 after the sham exposure was even shorter than after either the 2 Hz or 8 Hz exposure. We concluded that, although the effects of tested fields might be beneficial for sleep intensity (e.g., due to prolongation of N3), they might not be additionally effective against the falling asleep problems.

Methods and Experiments for Sensing Variations in Solar Activity and Defining Their Impact on Heart Variability.

This paper evaluates variations in solar activity and their impact on the human nervous system, including the manner in which human behavior and decision-making reflect such effects in the context of (symmetrical) social interactions. The relevant research showed that solar activity, manifesting itself through the exposure of the Earth to charged particles from the Sun, affects heart variability. The evaluation methods focused on examining the relationships between selected psychophysiological data and solar activity, which generally causes major alterations in the low-level electromagnetic field. The investigation within this paper revealed that low-level EMF changes are among the factors affecting heart rate variability and, thus, also variations at the spectral level of the rate, in the VLF, (f = 0.01–0.04 Hz), LF (f = 0.04–0.15 Hz), and HF (f = 0.15 až 0.40 Hz) bands. The results of the presented experiments can also be interpreted as an indirect explanation of sudden deaths and heart failures.

Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 2 impacts: how species interact with natural and man-made EMF.

Ambient levels of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) have risen sharply in the last five decades to become a ubiquitous, continuous, biologically active environmental pollutant, even in rural and remote areas. Many species of flora and fauna, because of unique physiologies and habitats, are sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that surpass human reactivity. This can lead to complex endogenous reactions that are highly variable, largely unseen, and a possible contributing factor in species extinctions, sometimes localized. Non-human magnetoreception mechanisms are explored. Numerous studies across all frequencies and taxa indicate that current low-level anthropogenic EMF can have myriad adverse and synergistic effects, including on orientation and migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance and defense, and on vitality, longevity and survivorship itself. Effects have been observed in mammals such as bats, cervids, cetaceans, and pinnipeds among others, and on birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, microbes and many species of flora. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have long been observed in laboratory research on animal models that can be extrapolated to wildlife. Unusual multi-system mechanisms can come into play with non-human species - including in aquatic environments - that rely on the Earth's natural geomagnetic fields for critical life-sustaining information. Part 2 of this 3-part series includes four online supplement tables of effects seen in animals from both ELF and RFR at vanishingly low intensities. Taken as a whole, this indicates enough information to raise concerns about ambient exposures to nonionizing radiation at ecosystem levels. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as 'habitat' so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards, which do not now exist, should be set accordingly for wildlife, and environmental laws should be strictly enforced - a subject explored in Part 3.

Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, part 1. Rising ambient EMF levels in the environment.

Ambient levels of electromagnetic fields (EMF) have risen sharply in the last 80 years, creating a novel energetic exposure that previously did not exist. Most recent decades have seen exponential increases in nearly all environments, including rural/remote areas and lower atmospheric regions. Because of unique physiologies, some species of flora and fauna are sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that may surpass human reactivity. There is limited, but comprehensive, baseline data in the U.S. from the 1980s against which to compare significant new surveys from different countries. This now provides broader and more precise data on potential transient and chronic exposures to wildlife and habitats. Biological effects havebeen seen broadly across all taxa and frequencies at vanishingly low intensities comparable to today's ambient exposures. Broad wildlife effects have been seen on orientation and migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance anddefense, and longevity and survivorship. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have been observed. The above issues are explored in three consecutive parts: Part 1 questions today's ambient EMF capabilities to adversely affect wildlife, with more urgency regarding 5G technologies. Part 2 explores natural and man-made fields, animal magnetoreception mechanisms, and pertinent studies to all wildlife kingdoms. Part 3 examines current exposure standards, applicable laws, and future directions. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as 'habitat' so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards, which do not now exist, should be set accordingly for wildlife, and environmental laws should be strictly enforced.

Impact of low-level electromagnetic fields on the inducibility of atrial fibrillation in the electrophysiology laboratory.

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in adults. Research suggests that autonomic nervous (ANS) system dysfunction contributes to AF pathophysiology. Animal studies have shown that low-level electromagnetic fields (LL-EMF) are potentially capable of AF suppression. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of LL-EMF in suppressing AF in humans.ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of LL-EMF on AF inducibility in humans.MethodsPatients presenting for ablation of paroxysmal AF were randomized to a sham protocol or LL-EMF (3.2 × 10-8 G at 0.89 Hz) applied via a Helmholtz coil around the head. AF was induced via atrial pacing, and was cardioverted if duration was greater than 15 minutes. The protocol was then run for 60 minutes, followed by reinduction of AF. The primary endpoint was the duration of pacing-induced AF after protocol completion compared between groups.ResultsEighteen patients completed the study protocol (n = 10 sham, n = 8 LL-EMF). Pacing-induced AF duration in the LL-EMF group was 11.0 ± 3.43 minutes shorter than control after protocol completion (CI 3.72–18.28 minutes, P = .03). A smaller proportion of LL-EMF patients experienced spontaneous firing initiating an AF episode (0/7 vs 5/6, P = .0047). A significantly greater proportion of patients in the control group required direct current cardioversion after 1 hour (0.78 vs 0.13, P = .02).ConclusionIn patients with paroxysmal AF, LL-EMF stimulation results in shorter episodes of pacing-induced AF and a reduced likelihood of spontaneous firing initiating an episode of AF.

Effects of exposures to weak 2-Hz vs. 8-Hz electromagnetic fields on spectral characteristics of the electroencephalogram in afternoon nap

ABSTRACT The human brain seems to be able to respond to low-level extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields. Controlled laboratory studies of human sleep under exposure to such fields are scarce, especially on the effects of 1 Hz – 16 Hz fields overlapping with the frequencies of the electroencephalographic (EEG) signal (e.g., delta, theta, alpha, and sigma activities). In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, we examined the effects of exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields of frequencies 2 Hz and 8 Hz on the EEG power density spectra in the range from 1 Hz to 16 Hz and sleep structure. Sleep of 14 young healthy volunteers was polysomnographically recorded during three 50-min afternoon naps (either without exposure or with 2 Hz/0.004 μT or 8 Hz/0.004 μT electromagnetic field). During the first 30 min of a nap the sham, 2 Hz or 8 Hz/0.004 μT exposures had the same effect. For the remaining 20 min, amount of stage 3 sleep and powers in 1 Hz-8 Hz range continued to build up under the 8 Hz/0.004μT and, especially, under the 2 Hz/0.004 μT exposure, whereas they did not change in the sham condition. Therefore, the low-level 2 Hz electromagnetic fields might stimulate deep sleep in the afternoon nap.

Prospective study of nocebo effects related to symptoms of idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF)

The exact causes of Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance Attributed to Electromagnetic Fields (IEI-EMF, i.e., experience of somatic symptoms attributed to low-level electromagnetic fields) are still unknown. Psychological causation such as nocebo effects seem plausible. This study aimed to experimentally induce a nocebo effect for somatic symptom perception and examined whether it was reproducible after one week. We also examined whether these effects were associated with increased sympathetic activity and whether interoceptive accuracy (IAcc) moderated these relationships. Participants were recruited from the general population and instructed that electromagnetic exposure can enhance somatosensory perception. They participated twice in a cued exposure experiment with tactile stimulation and sham WiFi exposure in 50% of trials. The two sessions were scheduled one week apart (session 1: N = 65, session 2: N = 63). Before session 1, participants watched either a 6-min film on adverse health effects of EMF or a neutral film on trade of mobile phones. IAcc was assessed with the heartbeat detection paradigm. Electrodermal activity served as a measure of sympathetic activation. Evidence for a nocebo effect (i.e., increased self-reported intensity and aversiveness and electrodermal activity) during sham WiFi exposure was observed in both sessions. IAcc moderated the nocebo effect, depending on stimulus intensity. Contrary to previous findings, no difference emerged between the health-related EMF and the neutral films. Based on negative instructions, somatic perception and physiological responding can be altered. This is consistent with the assumption that IEI-EMF could be due to nocebo effects, suggesting an important role for psychological interventions.

What is adverse effect of wireless local area network, using 2.45 GHz, on the reproductive system?

Aim: To investigate the inflammatory effect and testicular damage on rats exposed to low level of electromagnetic fields (EMF) at 2.45 GHz microwave radiation.Methods: Twenty two Wistar rats were divided into two groups. Group 1 was the control group and not exposed to EMF. Group 2 was exposed to low level EMF (average E-field 3.68 ± 0.36 V/m, whole body average SAR, 0.0233 W/kg, in 10 g tissue) at 2.45 GHz for 1 hour/day for 30 consecutive days. At the end of the study, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-32 (IL-32), C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in rat serum and IL-6, IL-10, IL-32 were measured in rat testis tissue. Furthermore, testicular tissues were evaluated histopathologically in terms of spermatogenesis and coagulation necrosis.Results: Serum IL-6 and CRP levels were found to be significantly different in the study group compared to the control group (p < .05), but no significant difference was found in serum IL-10, IL-32 levels and testis tissue IL-6, IL-10, IL-32 levels compared to the control group (p > .05). On the other hand, histopathological evaluation of testicular tissue revealed a significant difference in necrosis and spermatogenesis when compared with the control group (p < .05).Conclusions: It may be concluded that low level EMF at 2.45 GHz increases inflammation and testicular damage and negative impact on male reproductive system function.

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) in occupational and primary health care: A nation-wide survey among general practitioners, occupational physicians and hygienists in the Netherlands.

Subjects who attribute health complaints to every day levels of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been referred to as electrohypersensitive (EHS). Previous surveys in Europe showed that 68-75% of general practitioners had ever been consulted on EHS. Given the lack of data on EHS in the Netherlands in the general population and on EHS in occupational settings, we performed a national survey among three professional groups that are likely in the first line of being consulted by EHS individuals. Results show that about one third of occupational hygienists, occupational physicians and general practitioners had ever been consulted by one or more EHS subjects. Many of these professionals considered a causal relationship between EMF and health complaints to some degree plausible, and their approach often included exposure reduction advice. Given the lack of scientific evidence for EHS and how low level EMF exposure could cause reported health complaints and given the finding that the majority of these professionals felt insufficiently informed about EMF and health, targeted information campaigns might assist them in their evidence based dealing with subjects who attribute symptoms to EMF.

GW26-e2291 Low Level electromagnetic field suppresses intermittent hypoxia induced atrial fibrillation through autonomic modulating

We tested the hypothesis that low level electromagnetic field (EMF) could suppress intermittent hypoxia induced atrial fibrillation (AF) through autonomic modulating. Electrode catheters were attached to atria, and all pulmonary veins. Helmholtz coils were powered by a function generator inducing

Controllable release from high-transition temperature magnetoliposomes by low-level magnetic stimulation

High-transition temperature liposomes with embedded coated magnetite nanoparticles were prepared using the thin lipid film hydration method in order to obtain magnetoliposomes not sensitive to temperature increase (at least up to 50°C). Accordingly, drug can be released from such magnetoliposomes using a low-level electromagnetic field as triggering agent, while no delivery would be obtained with temperature increase within the physiological acceptable range. The hypothesized release mechanism involves mechanical stress of the liposome membrane due to nanoparticles oscillations and it is investigated by means of a numerical model evaluated using multiphysics simulations. The carrier content was repetitively released by switching on and off a 20kHz, 60A/m magnetic field. The results indicated high reproducibility of cycle-to-cycle release induced by the magnetic-impelled motions driving to the destabilization of the bilayer rather than the liposome phase transition or the destruction of the liposome structure.

The use of low-level electromagnetic fields to suppress atrial fibrillation.

Extremely low-level electromagnetic fields have been proposed to cause significant changes in neural networks. We sought to investigate whether low-level electromagnetic fields can suppress atrial fibrillation (AF). In 17 pentobarbital anesthetized dogs, bilateral thoracotomies allowed the placement of multielectrode catheters in both atria and at all pulmonary veins. AF was induced by rapid atrial pacing (RAP) or programmed atrial extrastimulation. At baseline and end of each hour of RAP, during sinus rhythm, atrial programmed stimulation gave both the effective refractory period (ERP) and the width of the window of vulnerability. The latter was a measure of AF inducibility. Microelectrodes inserted into the anterior right ganglionated plexi recorded neural firing. Helmholtz coils were powered by a function generator inducing an electromagnetic field (EMF; 0.034 μG, 0.952 Hz). The study sample was divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 7)-application of EMF to both cervical vagal trunks; group 2 (n = 10)-application of EMF across the chest so that the heart was located in the center of the coil. In group 1, EMF induced a progressive increase in AF threshold at all pulmonary vein and atrial sites (all P < .05). In group 2, the atrial ERP progressively shortened and ERP dispersion and window of vulnerability progressively increased (P < .05 compared to baseline values) during 3 hours of RAP and then returned to baseline values during 3 hours of combined application of RAP and EMF (P < .05 compared to the end of the third hour of RAP). The frequency and amplitude of the neural activity recorded from the anterior right ganglionated plexi were markedly suppressed by EMF in both groups. Pulsed EMF applied to the vagal trunks or noninvasively across the chest can significantly reverse AF inducibility.

Increased DNA oxidation (8-OHdG) and protein oxidation (AOPP) by low level electromagnetic field (2.45 GHz) in rat brain and protective effect of garlic

Purpose: To investigate the oxidative damage and protective effect of garlic on rats exposed to low level of electromagnetic fields (EMF) at 2.45 GHz Microwave radiation (MWR).Methods: Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Group I was the control group and not exposed to EMF. Group II and III were exposed to low level EMF (3.68 ± 0.36 V/m) at 2.45 GHz MWR for 1 hour/day for 30 consecutive days. Daily 500 mg/kg garlic was given to Group III during the study period. At the end of the study, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were investigated in brain tissue and blood samples.Results: Exposure to low level of EMF increased 8-OHdG level in both plasma and brain tissue whereas it increased AOPP level only in plasma. Garlic prevented the increase of 8-OHdG level in brain tissue and plasma AOPP levels.Conclusions: It may be concluded that low level EMF at 2.45 GHz MWR increases the DNA damage in both brain tissues and plasma of the rats whereas it increases protein oxidation only in plasma. It may also be argued that the use of garlic decreases these effects.

CYTOGENETIC DAMAGES INDUCED BY CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO MICROWAVE NON-IONIZING RADIOFREQUENCY FIELDS

Non-ionizing radiation has a significant and positive impact on modern society through a number of uses. There is increasing public concern regarding the health risks of radio-frequency (RF) radiation, particularly that produced by mobile phones. Concern regarding the potential risks of exposure to EMFs has led to many epidemiological investigations, but the effects of EMF exposure on human and other mammalian cells are still unclear. One of the most frequently asked questions about the effects of microwave radiation on biological systems is whether they produce genotoxic effects and could be there a possible link with oncogenic processes. It is most difficult to get accurate and reproducible results for the studies that tell us most about the effects of EMF on humans. Based on some “weak” evidence suggesting an association between exposure to radiofrequency fields (RF) emitted from mobile phones and two types of brain cancer, glioma and acoustic neuroma, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified RF as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ in group 2B. Literature results suggest that pulsed microwaves from working environment can be the cause of genetic and cell alterations. Taken together, the increased frequency of DNA damages, increased intensity of oxydative stress and production of reactive oxygen species as well as prolonged disruption in DNA repair mechanisms could be possible mechanisms for microwave induced cytogenetic damages even at low-level electromagnetic fields. Although there were contradictory results about harmful effects of electromagnetic fields we recommend that the mobile phone should be kept as far as possible from the body during conversations and also during usual daily activities to reduce the absorption of radiation by cells. In addition, the appropriate intake of antioxidant-rich food or drugs may be helpful for preventing the genotoxic effects that could be caused by mobile phone use. Acta Medica Medianae 2013;52(4):48-52.

Design of an ecological momentary assessment study of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and non-specific physical symptoms

IntroductionIdiopathic Environmental Intolerance (IEI) attributed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) refers to self-reported sensitivity mainly characterised by the attribution of non-specific physical symptoms to low-level EMF exposure emitted from sources such...

Electromagnetic field occupational exposure: Non-thermal vs. thermal effects

There are a variety of definitions for “non-thermal effects” included in different international standards. They start by the simple description that they are “effects of electromagnetic energy on a body that are not heat-related effects”, passing through the very general definition related to low-level effects: “biological effects ascribed to exposure to low-level electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields, i.e. at or below the corresponding dosimetric reference levels in the frequency range covered in this standard (0 Hz–300 GHz)”, and going to the concrete definition of “the stimulation of muscles, nerves, or sensory organs, vertigo or phosfenes”. Here, we discuss what kind of effect does the non-thermal one has on human body and give data of measurements in different occupations with low-frequency sources of electromagnetic field such as electric power distribution systems, transformers, MRI systems and : video display units (VDUs), whereas thermal effects should not be expected. In some of these workplaces, values above the exposure limits could be found, nevertheless that they are in the term “non-thermal effects” on human body. Examples are workplaces in MRI, also in some power plants. Here, we will not comment on non-thermal effects as a result of RF or microwave exposure because there are not proven evidence about the existance of such effects and mechanisms for them are not clear.

Effects of low level electromagnetic field exposure at 2.45 GHz on rat cornea

Purpose: To investigate the effects of low level electromagnetic field (low level-EMF) exposure, as frequently encountered in daily life, on the normal rat cornea using histological and stereological method.Methods: Twenty-two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: Study group (n = 11) and control group (n = 11). Rats in the study group were exposed to 2.45 GHz microwave (MW) radiation (11.96 ± 0.89 V/m), 0.25 W/kg specific absorption rate (SAR) for 2 hours each day for 21 days. The corneal thickness and the anterior epithelium corneal thickness were measured using two different methods.Results: Using the histological method, the mean corneal thicknesses in the control and study group were 278.9 ± 54.5 μm, and 272.4 ± 85.6 μm, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). The anterior corneal epithelium thickness was 28.1 ± 4.9 μm in the control group and 31.7 ± 5.5 μm in the study group. There were statistically differences between the groups with regard to the thickness of anterior epithelium (p < 0.05). In the measurement made by the stereological method, the percentage of the cornea occupied by anterior corneal epithelium was 15.94% in the control group and 17.9% in the study group. Despite the fact that there was a relation between increased anterior epithelial area (AEA) and radiation exposure, no statistically significant relationship in area fraction of each compartment was found between the control and study groups.Conclusions: Results of this preliminary study show that exposure to MW radiation might cause alterations in the rat cornea.