Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

The effects of microwave radiation on avian dominance behavior med./bio.

By: Wasserman FE, Dowd C, Schlinger BA, Byman D, Battista SP, Kunz TH
Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 1984; 5 (3): 331-339
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To assess the effects of acute exposures to microwave irradiation on the behavior and position of birds within the dominance hierarchy of a winter flock. Experiments were conducted outdoors in Manomet, Massachusetts under normal winter ambient temperatures.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz
Exposure duration: 20 and 200 min
Exposure 2: 2.45 GHz
Exposure duration: 20 min
Exposure 3: 2.45 GHz
Exposure duration: 7 and 10 min

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Polarization
Exposure duration 20 and 200 min
Additional info 12 flocks were exposed to microwaves and 3 birds from 2 additional flocks were sham exposed.
Modulation
Modulation type unspecified
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 1.37 m
Chamber 15 x 15 x 15 cm microwave transparent cage
Setup the cage was centered beneath the antenna
Additional info platform and the sides of the tower were covered with microwave anechoic material (Ecosorb)
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 250 W/m² - measured - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Polarization
Exposure duration 20 min
Modulation
Modulation type unspecified
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 1.37 m
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 100 mW/cm² - measured - -

Exposure 3

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Polarization
Exposure duration 7 and 10 min
Modulation
Modulation type unspecified
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 1.37 m
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 155 mW/cm² - measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Although exposed birds maintained their position within a flock hierarchy with one exception, some appeared to have a change in their level of aggression after irradiation. The data indicate that microwaves may have a subtle effect on the behavior of birds within a captive-flock dominance hierarchy, but the effect is probably not strong enough to alter the position of birds within the hierarchy.

Study character:

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