Acute microwave irradiation and cataract formation in rabbits and monkeys.
Rabbits and monkeys were irradiated in the near field of a cavity-backed 2450 MHz resonant slot radiator, to determine the cataractogenic threshold. Rabbits developed cataracts at incident "apparent" power densities of 180 mW/cm2 (E2/120 pi, where E=rms/electric field strength). Monkeys sustained facial burns, but no lens damage, even at incident "apparent" power densities of 500 mW/cm2. These results were substantiated by computer thermal models.
D000818:Animals; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology*; D005123:Eye / Q000098:blood supply; D005260:Female; D000882:Haplorhini; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008954:Models, Biological; D011817:Rabbits; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011833:Radiation Injuries, Experimental; D013696:Temperature