Written at the request of the U.S. Air Force and Congress, this book evaluates the potential health effects associated with deployment of the Ground Wave Emergency Network (GWEN), a communications system to be used in case of a high-altitude detonation of a nuclear device.

The committee, composed of experts in biophysics, physics, risk assessment, epidemiology, and cancer, examines data from laboratory and epidemiologic studies of effects from electromagnetic fields to determine the likelihood of health effects being caused by the operation of a fully implemented GWEN system.

Contents

• Committee on Assessment of the Possible Health Effects of Ground Wave Emergency Network
• Board on Radiation Effects Research
• Commission on Life Sciences
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Executive Summary
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Description of GWEN System
• 3. Coupling of GWEN Electromagnetic Fields to the Human Body
  • Electromagnetic Fields for GWEN Sites
  • Ultra-High-Frequency (UHF) Transmitter
  • Induced Fields and Currents in the Human Body
  • Induced Currents and E Fields at 174.625 kHz
  • SARs for UHF Electromagnetic Fields
  • Microscopic Field Interactions at the Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Levels
  • Indirect Coupling—Shock and Burns
  • Appendix A: Anatomically Based Model and Numerical Procedure Used for Calculations
  • References
• 4. Perception and Behavioral Effects of Electromagnetic Fields
• 5. Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Development
• 6. Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Organs and Tissues
  • Introduction
  • Nervous System
  • Visual System
  • Endocrine System
  • Immune System
  • Hematologic and Cardiovascular Systems
  • Animal Carcinogenesis
  • Conclusions
  • References
• 7. In Vitro Cellular and Subcellular End Points
  • Bone Healing
  • Mutagenic Effects
  • Cytogenetic Effects
  • Cell Transformation
  • Effects on Transcription
  • Tumor Promotion
  • Conclusions
  • References
• 8. Human Laboratory and Clinical Evidence of Effects of Electromagnetic Fields
  • Cutaneous Perception
  • Phosphenes
  • Pacemaker Interference
  • Microwave Auditory Effect
  • Circadian Rhythms
  • Brain-Evoked Potentials
  • Heart Rate
  • Reaction Time
  • Mood and Cognitive Function
  • Blood Composition
  • Bone Repair and Growth Stimulation
  • Conclusions
  • References
• 9. Epidemiological Research Relevant to Identification of Health Hazards Associated with GWEN Fields
  • Studies of General Environmental Exposure
  • Occupational Studies
  • Epidemiologic studies of Health Effects of Microwave Exposure
  • Radio Broadcast Stations
  • Amateur Radio Operators
  • Conclusions
  • References
• 10. Standards and Guidelines for Exposure to Radiofrequency and Extremely-Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields
• 11. Risk Analysis and Management
  • Risk Assessment
  • General Description of Gwen Fields
  • Coupling of Electromagnetic Fields to Human Body
  • Shielding by Buildings
  • Population Distribution Around Gwen Sites
  • LF and UHF Exposures of Population Around Sites
  • Exposure Comparisons With Existing Standards
  • Exposure Comparisons With Other Sources
  • Bounding GWEN Risks
  • Historical Growth in Broadcast Activity
  • Public Health Surveillance Around Broadcast Facilities
  • Meadowlands Sports Complex
  • Bounds on Excess Population Risk From GWEN Fields
  • Limitations of GWEN Risk Assessment
  • Risk Perception
  • Exposure Reduction
  • Research Needs
  • References

The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competencies and with regard for appropriate balance.

This report has been reviewed by a group other than the authors according to procedures approved by a Report Review Committee consisting of the members of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine.

The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit, self-perpetuating society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare. Upon the authority of the charter granted to it by the Congress in 1863, the Academy has a mandate that requires it to advise the federal government on scientific and technical matters. Dr. Frank Press is president of the National Academy of Sciences.

The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964, under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences, as a parallel organization of outstanding engineers. It is autonomous in its administration and in the selection of its members, sharing with the National Academy of Sciences the responsibility for advising the federal government. The National Academy of Engineering also sponsors engineering programs aimed at meeting national needs, encourages education and research, and recognizes the superior achievements of engineers. Dr. Robert M. White is the president of the National Academy of Engineering.

The Institute of Medicine was established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences to secure the services of eminent members of appropriate professions in the examination of policy matters pertaining to the health of the public. The Institute acts under the responsibility given to the National Academy of Sciences by its congressional charter to be an advisor to the federal government and, upon its own initiative, to identify issues of medical care, research, and education. Dr. Kenneth I. Shine is president of the Institute.

The National Research Council was organized by the National Academy of Sciences in 1916 to associate the broad community of science and technology with the Academy's purposes of furthering knowledge and advising the federal government. Functioning in accordance with general policies determined by the Academy, the Council has become the principal operating agency of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The Council is administered jointly by both Academies and the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Frank Press and Dr. Robert M. White are chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the National Research Council.