Does radiofrequency radiation have biological effects?
Radiofrequency radiation (RFR) is non-ionizing. This means it cannot break molecules and directly disrupt DNA, the building block molecule of genetic material in the body. However, RFR at sufficiently high power can cause the conversion of energy into heat, a concept that is used in microwave ovens. While non-ionizing radiation may be too weak to cause direct damage to biological material, it may cause biological effects through the creation of thermal (the heating of tissues) mechanisms. These thermal mechanisms are well established, and are used to set guidelines restricting occupational and general exposure to radiofrequency fields. Effects that can occur in humans when the body, or part of it, is sufficiently heated by RFR include a decreased mental ability, opacity of the eye, and various physiological responses to heat.
