United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Health Effects Research
Laboratory
Research Triangle Park NC 27711
Research and Development
EPA-600/S1-82-017 Mar. 1983
Project Summary
Potential Human Study
Populations for Non-Ionizing
(Radio Frequency) Radiation
Health Effects
Lawrence C. Novotney and Inara Gravitis
This research project was initiated to
identify potential human populations
f or future epidemiological studies of the
health effects of non-ionizing radiation.
Through a literature search and con-
tacts with various groups and organiza-
tions, numerous occupationsand appli-
cations of radio frequency radiation
(RFR) were identified and evaluated for
their suitability for more detailed study.
Many populations were eliminated early
because their potential exposure to RFR
was too limited or the data necessary
for epidemiological research was un-
available. Eight potential study popula-
tions were identified: RF heat sealer
operators, HF (high frequency) tube
welder operators, medical diathermy
operators in Veterans Administration
hospitals, medical diathermy operators
in rehabilitation facilities, children at-
tending schools located near broadcast-
ing towers, state policemen, security
guards, and radar technicians. The eight
populations were evaluated in greater
detail, appear to satisfy many of the
criteria for epidemiological research,
and could be useful study groups in an
investigation of the health effects of
non-ionizing radiation.
This Project Summary was developed
by EPA's Health Effects Research Lab-
oratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, to
announce key findings of the research
report that is fully documented in a
separate report of the same title (see
Project Report ordering information at
back).
Introduction
Very few epidemiological studies have
been conducted on the biological effects
of microwaves, but many clinical studies
from Eastern European countries report a
number of symptoms associated with
microwave exposure. Most of the reported
symptoms involve functional disturbances
of the central nervous system such as
headache, irritability, loss of appetite,
fatigue, depression and emotional insta-
bility, symptoms that are generally revers-
ible if the exposure to microwaves is
discontinued. Functional cardiovascular
changes such as alterations in cardiac
rhythm and blood pressure have also
been reported.
The few epidemiological studies per-
formed in the United States did not report
any deleterious effects attributable to
microwave exposure. The principal groups
studied were comprised of persons occu-
pationally exposed in the military or
industry. The problems associated with
most of these earlier studies include a
small number of individuals studied,
inadequate control groups, -and poorly
defined exposure data. This study identi-
fies and characterizes human populations
for possible future use in epidemiological
studies on the health effects of exposure
to RFR.
Materials and Methods
In order to identify all possible applica-
tions of RFR, a literature search was
undertaken initially. As applications were
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identified, additional information was
obtained about them from groups such as
trade and professional associations, labor
unions, equipment manufacturers, orga-
nizations representing industries, and
users of radio frequency (RF) devices.
While this information was being gath-
ered, a set of criteria was developed to
evaluate each application and potential
population. The criteria were as follows:
1. Sample size A minimal sample size
of 200 was arbitrarily decided upon,
since it was thought that the likeli-
hood of conducting a study and iden-
tifying a biological effect with a
smaller sample would be low.
2. Availability of exposure data, includ-
ing type of device, frequency, and
ability to measure or estimate expo-
sure.
3. Availability of personal data includ-
ing occupational/personnel data and
medical records or other health status
indicators.
4. Availability of a suitable control
group.
5. Evidence of intent to cooperate in an
epidemiological study.
The populations identified as potentially
exposed to RFR were then evaluated
according to the established criteria to
determine their suitability for future
epidemiological studies.
Results and Conclusions
Through the processes of literature
search and contact with those concerned
with RFR, an initial list of nearly 50
applications was developed. These appli-
cations were evaluated for their potential
as populations for future epidemiological
studies. Eventually, eight diverse popula-
tions with acceptable attributes to varying
degrees were selected for possible use in
future studies. The suitability of each
group for use in future studies would
depend upon the biological end points to
be studied as well as on the character-
istics of the group itself.
The eight groups and their distinguish-
ing characteristics are listed below:
2. High Frequency (HF) Tube Welder
Operators
a. Most facilities unionized (Union
health clinics and records)
b. Cooperation probable
3. VA Hospital Physical Therapists
a. Generally documented exposures
b. Standard medical and personnel
records
c. VA cooperation probable
4. Physical Therapists in Rehabilitation
Facilities
a. Generally documented exposures
b. Employee health clinics
5. Children Attending Schools near
Broadcast Towers
a. Environmental exposure
b. Generally documented exposures
c. A variety of parameters for possi-
ble consideration
d. Potential for public concern and
interest
6. State Police Officers
a. Large and stable population
b. Generally documented exposures
c. Complete work and medical histo-
ries
d. Records standardized within a
state
e. Potential for long-term exposure
studies
7. Security Guards
a. Large population
b. Documented exposure
c. Potential for long-term exposure
studies
8. Radar Technicians
a. Large population
b. Interest and support indicated by
FAA and unions
c. Standardized records and equip-
ment
The use of any one of the eight identified
populations has disadvantages as well as
advantages for particular types of studies.
The selection of the best population for an
epidemiological study depends on the
priorities in question, the desired study
emphasis (environmental or occupa-
tional), the types of exposure of greatest
concern, considerations about time and
money, and the public policy and environ-
mental health issues of greatest concern.
Lawrence C. Novotney and Inara Gravitis are with JRB Associates, McLean, VA
22102.
Charles G. Liddle is the EPA Project Officer (see below).
The complete report, entitled "Potential Human Study Populations for Non-
Ionizing (Radio Frequency) Radiation Health Effects," (Order No. PB 83-147
447; Cost: $14.50. subject to change) will be available only from:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
Telephone: 703-487-4650
The EPA Project Officer can be contacted at:
Health Effects Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
oU.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1983-659-017/7007
1. RF Plastic Heat Sealer Operators
a. Very large population
b. Generally documented exposures
c. Limited study undertaken by
NIOSH (some information and
measurements taken and cooper-
ation probable)
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Center for Environmental Research
Information
Cincinnati OH 45268
Postage and
Fees Paid
Environmental
Protection
Agency
EPA 335
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
M s
PROJECTION
It
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