Exposure to microwave radiation can have different health effects depending on the intensity and duration of exposure:
- Thermal Effects:
The primary concern with microwaves is heating of body tissues. High-intensity microwaves can cause burns or heat damage, especially to sensitive tissues like the eyes and testes, because microwaves cause water molecules in the body to vibrate and generate heat. - Non-Thermal Effects:
There is ongoing research about whether low-level, long-term exposure to microwaves (like from mobile phones or Wi-Fi) can cause non-thermal biological effects, such as changes in cell function or increased risk of certain health issues. So far, scientific consensus generally finds no clear evidence of harmful non-thermal effects at typical exposure levels. - Regulation and Safety Limits:
Regulatory bodies set exposure limits to microwave radiation to keep it within safe levels, minimizing any risk of harm. Devices like microwave ovens and communication equipment are designed with shielding and safety standards to protect users. - Possible Symptoms:
In rare cases of overexposure or occupational hazards, symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or dizziness have been reported, but these are not conclusively linked to microwave radiation.