The Microwave Debate

Description

Críticas ""The Microwave Debate" is an excellent case study of the difficulties involved in identifying, evaluating, and managing a technological hazard. At the same time, it is also a good study of science in its social context, for it clearly indicates how changing social and political conditions strongly influenced the direction of microwave bioeffects research."--"ISIS" Reseña del editor In recent years, as the sources of microwave and radiofrequency radiation have proliferated, there have been recurrent suggestions that exposure to such radiation can cause harmful physical effects. Antennas, powerlines, ovens, color TVs, VDTs, radar, and the RF sealers used in many industries all pose threats--or do they?This book presents the first balanced and well-documented analysis of the microwave debate. It begins in the 1930s, when scientific research concentrated on the therapeutic, thermal aspects of radiofrequency radiation, and covers first the mainly military interest in the debate about athermal effects through the 1960s, and then the years of public controversy when environmental and consumer activists joined the fray. Recent aspects of the story such as the political fallout of a "leaky" television set, the still-unexplained irradiation of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, and the continuing controversies about the siting of satellite communication antennas are all examined.In pursuing this multifaceted story to its current unresolved state, Steneck explores in detail the parts played by government, scientists, the mass media, the courts, and the public. His analysis exposes the underlying interplay of science and values that has governed the evolution of the debate over microwave radiation. Unless we confront these value issues directly, he argues, we will never be able to create generally acceptable approaches to exploring questions of public concern that involve science and technology. --------- One of the most informative, fascinating and articulate books on this or any other subject. Found a reference to this book while engaged in a crash course to learn how and why the drive to drench our entire population in RF emissions has been tolerated and even abetted by the institutions who are supposed to protect or at least look out for the public safety. This book does not proselytize for either side, but explains how we got where we are today, and even though the book only brings us up to 1980s--the microwave oven era-- it anticipates the explosion of cell towers, wi fi, and cell phones. And somewhat explains the mindset of today when a monopolistic utility company can visit your home and install transmitters emitting pulsed RF radiation 24/7 into your walls and body without notice to or consent of the homeowner, but with the blessing and funding of the federal government. ----------- I read this book ten years ago when confronting a proposed cell tower on my condo roof. I was amazed to see how many radiofrequency/microwave radiation (RF/MW) health studies had already been done by the time this book was published---in 1984. This kind of radiation was already in use for body therapeutics like diathermy (often employed to relieve sore muscles for professional athletes)and radar, not to mention ham radio, and radio and TV broadcasts. Already there were various political, strategic and economic interests pulling the research and interpretation of results in certain biased directions. This has only gotten worse since the dawn of the wireless revolution when cell phones, cell towers, wi-fi, wi-max, smart meters, etc., started pumping this radiation into the environment at unprecedented rates, and into the bodies of the general public. I was surprised at what a fascinating read this was--Steneck, head of a science and values institute at U. of Michigan, did a great job. While this is now out of print, there are copies in some libraries, and it is well worth hunting down.