Department Of ECE

Institute of Engineering & Technology, Bhaddal

Assignment
Bio-Effects of Microwaves
 Bio-Effects of Microwaves

Since the 18th century scientists have been intrigued by the interaction of electromagnetic
fields (EMFs) and various life processes. Attention has been focussed on EMFs in
different frequency ranges, of which microwave frequency range forms an important part.

Microwaves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum and are considered to be that
radiation ranging in frequency from 300 million cycles per second (300 MHz) to 300
billion cycles per second (300 GHz), which correspond to a wavelength range of 1 m
down to 1 mm. This nonionising electromagnetic radiation is absorbed at molecular level
and manifests as changes in vibrational energy of the molecules or heat

Identifying and evaluating the biological effects of microwaves have been complex and
controversial. Because of the paucity of information on the mechanism of interaction
between microwave and biological systems, there has been a persistent view in physical
and engineering sciences, that microwave fields are incapable of inducing bioeffects
.other than by heating

Interaction of microwaves with biological systems.

Many biological systems can be expected to exhibit resonance behavior involving the
mechanical vibration of system elements. The natural frequencies of such resonances
will, generally, be in the microwave frequency range. Some of these systems will be
coupled to the electromagnetic field by the charge distributions they carry, thus admitting
the possibility that microwave exposures may generate physiological effects in man and
other species. However, such microwave excitable resonances are expected to be strongly
damped by interaction with their aqueous biological environment. Although those
dissipation mechanisms have been studied, the limitations on energy transfers that follow
from the limited coupling of these resonances to the electromagnetic field have not
generally been considered. We show that this coupling must generally be very small and
thus the absorbed energy is so strongly limited that such resonances cannot affect biology
significantly even if the systems are much less strongly damped than expected from basic
dissipation models.

Biological hazards of microwave as well as low

frequency
Exposure to microwave emissions and frequency radiations have an unpredictory
negative effect on the biological welfare of humans.
1. A breakdown of the “ life energy field” in those who were exposed to microwave,
while in operation, with side effects to the humans for longer duration.
 2. A degeneration of cellular voltage parallels during the process of using the
apparatus, especially in blood & lymphatic errors.
3. A degeneration circuit breakdowns electrical nerve impulses within the junction
potential of cerebrum.
4. A degeneration and breakdown of nerve electrical circuits and loss of energy
symmetry in the nervoplexuses both at the front & the rear of central and
autonomic nervous system.
5. Loss of balance and circuiting of the bio electrical strengths within the ascending
reticular activating system (the system which controls the function of
consciousness).
6. A long term cumulative loss of vital energies within the humans, animals and
plants that were located within a 500m radius of the operational equipment.
7. A destabilization and interruption in the production of hormones and maintenance
of hormonal balance in males and females.
8. long lasting residual effects of magnetic deposits were located throughout the
nervous systems and lymphatic systems.
9. marked by higher levels of brain in wave disturbance in alpha, theta and delta
wave signal patterns of persons exposed to microwaves emission fields.
10. Because of this brain wave disturbance, negative psychological effects were noted
including loss of memory, loss of ability to concentrate.

Interaction of microwaves with biological systems.

Many biological systems can be expected to exhibit resonance behavior involving the
mechanical vibration of system elements. The natural frequencies of such resonances
will, generally, be in the microwave frequency range. Some of these systems will be
coupled to the electromagnetic field by the charge distributions they carry, thus admitting
the possibility that microwave exposures may generate physiological effects in man and
other species. However, such microwave excitable resonances are expected to be strongly
damped by interaction with their aqueous biological environment. Although those
dissipation mechanisms have been studied, the limitations on energy transfers that follow
from the limited coupling of these resonances to the electromagnetic field have not
generally been considered. We show that this coupling must generally be very small and
thus the absorbed energy is so strongly limited that such resonances cannot affect biology
significantly even if the systems are much less strongly damped than expected from basic
dissipation models

There are two frequencies

Low frequency 400khz

Microwave 10ghz
At low frequency and microwave, the electric and microwave fields are
simultaneously present if there is an electric field then there is a coupled magnetic
field and vice versa.
 Only the fields inside tissue and biological bodies can possibly interact with these the
biological effects of radio freq\ microwave do not depend solely on the external
power density. They depend on the dielectric field inside of the tissue or the body.
Heating effect of microwaves can lead to significant physiological effects.
Microwave radiations interacts with cell membranes to induce functional alterations
in membrane components.
An important consideration in estimating the effect of dosimetry in the coupling of rf
and microwave radiations to biological systems. This depends on the orientation of
subject relative to the field, and on its dimensions relative to the wavelength.
Coupling to a body is maximal when its long axis is oriented parallel to electric field
and when its length is similar to the wavelength therefore maximum absorption for an
exposed subject is frequency dependent and occurs at app. 40mhz for an
average( electrically grounded) man, 600-700mhz for a rat and 2500mhz for a mouse
whole body.
As frequency increase and wavelength decrease power absorption per unit mass of
tissue increases and penetration decreases. Above 10ghz, absorption would be
expected to be largely confined to skin.
A relatively constant amount of body tissue when exposed then cumulative effect
could occur and lead to eventual breakdown of homeostasis and adverse health
consequences.
It could also affect blood –brain barrier, morphology, electrophysiology metabolism.

Diathermy

In the natural sciences, the term diathermy means "electrically induced heat" and is
commonly used for muscle relaxation. It is also a method of heating tissue
electromagnetically or ultrasonically for therapeutic purposes in medicine.
Benefits
Diathermy can be used to treat arthritis, bursitis, and other conditions involving stiff,
painful joints. It is also used to treat pelvic infections and sinusitis. A benefit of
diathermy is that it is a painless procedure that can be administered at a clinic. Also, if the
treatment relieves pain, then patients can discontinue pain killers and escape their high
cost and side effects.

Description
Diathermy involves heating deep muscular tissues. When heat is applied to the painful
area, cellular metabolism speeds up and blood flow increases. The increased metabolism
and circulation accelerates tissue repair. The heat helps the tissues relax and stretch, thus
alleviating stiffness. Heat also reduces nerve fiber sensitivity, increasing the patient's pain
threshold.

There are three methods of diathermy. In each, energy is delivered to the deep tissues,
where it is converted to heat. The three methods are:

• Shortwave diathermy. The body part to be treated is placed between two capacitor
plates. Heat is generated as the high-frequency waves travel through the body
tissues between the plates. Shortwave diathermy is most often used to treat areas
like the hip, which is covered with a dense tissue mass. It is also used to treat
pelvic infections and sinusitis. The treatment reduces inflammation. The Federal
Communications Commission regulates the frequency allowed for short-wave
diathermy treatment. Most machines function at 27.33 megahertz.
• Ultrasound diathermy. In this method, high-frequency acoustic vibrations are used
to generate heat in deep tissue.
• Microwave diathermy. This method uses radar waves to heat tissue. This form is
the easiest to use, but the microwaves cannot penetrate deep muscles.
 Diathermy is also used in surgical procedures. Many doctors use electrically heated
probes to seal blood vessels to prevent excessive bleeding. This is particularly helpful in
neurosurgery and eye surgery. Doctors can also use diathermy to kill abnormal growths,
such as tumors, warts, and infected tissues.

Microwave Diathermy

Treatment Settings

Micro-wavediathermy waves used for treatment is of Wave length - 12.25 cm

Frequency - 2,450 cycles/sec

Production of Waves

The waves are obtained by heating special type of valve called Magnetron. The output is
carried to a small aerial and microwaves are emitted.

Where useful?

1. Pain
2. Bacterial infection
3. Septic fingers
4. Boils
5. Abscess

Where it should not be used?

1. Cancer
2. Tuberculosis of Bone
3. Recent exposure to X-rays
4. Defective blood circulation (In cases like Diabetes)

Advantages

Pain is relieved

1. Healing of infections is faster

2. Aids in relaxation

Disadvantages

1. Burns
 2. Injuries to eyes

Short Wave Diathermy

Short Wave diathermy current is a high frequency alternating current. The heat energy
obtained from the wave is used for giving relief to the patient.

Its frequency is 27,120,000 cycles per second and the wavelength is 11 metre.
Circuit Description:Diathermy machine consist o f two main circuits ;an oscillating
circuit,which produces the high frequency current and a patient circuit which is
connected to the oscillating circuit and through which the electrical energy is transferred
to the patient.

Types of Applications

1. The condenser field method (commonly used)

2. Cable method

Where useful?

1. Inflammation of shoulder joint

2. Inflammation of Elbow Joint (Tennis Elbow)
3. Degeneration of joints of neck (Cervical Spondylosis)
4. Degeneration of joints like knee and hip (Osteoarthritis)
5. Ligament Sprains in knee joint
6. Low Back Ache
7. Plantar fascitis (Heel Pain)
8. Sinusitis

Where it should not be used?

General

1. High Fever
2. Fluctuating Blood Pressure
3. Very sensitive Skin
4. Persons with Untreated Fits
5. Persons using Cardiac Pace Maker
6. Severe kidney and heart problems
7. Pregnant Women
8. Mentally Retarded Individuals
9. Tuberculosis of Bone
10. Malignant cancer
 Ultrasonic Diathermy

It's an electromagnetic wave different from sound waves.

The frequencies of waves employed for medical purposes are between 5,00,000 and
3,000,000 cycles/sec.

Generation of Ultrasonic waves

Ultrasonic waves are generated by vibration of a Crystal mounted on a special head.

Treatment Time

Initial Stage - 3 to 4 min

Severe Stage - 6 to 8 min

Where useful?

1. Inflammation of Elbow Joint (Tennis elbow)

2. Plantar fascitis(Heel pain)
3. Shortening of Muscle or Ligament
4. Inflammation of tendons(For eg Supraspinatus tendnitis)
5. Ligament sprain(For eg Lateral Ligament sprain of ankle)
6. Unhealed scars

Where should it not be used?

1. Avoidance to specialised structures such as eyes, ears,ovaries or testes.

2. Growing ends of bones
3. Uterus of pregnant women
4. Areas with poor blood supply (In case of Diabetes)
5. Cancer

Advantages

1. Relief of pain
2. Healing of Soft tissues (Ligament)
3. Healing of unhealed scars

Disadvantages

1. Burns
2. Cavitation (Damage to bones)
 3. Overdose

USES
Heating uses

Ultrasonic diathermy refers to heating of tissues by ultrasound for the purpose of

therapeutic deep heating. No tissue is ordinarily damaged hence it is generally used in
biomedical applications.

Electric diathermy uses high frequency alternating electric or magnetic fields, sometimes
with no electrode or device contact to the skin, to induce gentle deep tissue heating by
induction. Again, no tissue is ordinarily damaged

Surgical uses
Surgical diathermy is usually better known as "electrosurgery." (It is also referred to
occasionally as "electrocautery", but see disambiguation below). Electrosurgery and
surgical diathermy involve the use of high frequency A.C. electrical current in surgery as
either a cutting modality, or else to cauterize small blood vessels to stop bleeding. This
technique induces localized tissue burning and damage, the zone of which is controlled
by the frequency and power of the device. Some sources[1] insist that electrosurgery be
applied to surgery accomplished by high frequency A.C. cutting, and that
"electrocautery" be used only for the practice of cauterization with heated nichrome wires
powered by D.C. current, as in the handheld battery-operated portable cautery tools.

Electrosurgery is the application of a high-frequency electric current to human (or other

animal) tissue as a means to remove lesions, staunch bleeding, or cut tissue.
Electrosurgery can be used to cut, coagulate, desiccate, or fulgurate tissue.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
(These terms are used in specific ways for this methodology-- see below). Its benefits
include the ability to make precise cuts with limited blood loss.

In electrosurgerical procedures, the tissue is burned by an electrical current. Although

electrosurgical devices may be used for the cauterization of tissue in some applications
(as for example during hemorrhoid surgery), electrosurgery is usually used to refer to a
quite different method than that used by many dedicated electrocautery devices. The
latter uses heat conduction from a hot probe heated by a direct current (much in the
manner of a soldering iron), whereas electrosurgery uses alternating current to directly
heat the tissue itself (diathermy), while the probe tip remains relatively cool.

Electrosurgery is commonly used for such dermatological procedures as removal of skin

tags, removal/destruction of benign skin tumors, and the removal of warts. It is now often
preferred by dermatologists over laser surgery and cryosurgery for several procedures.
Electrosurgery is performed using a device called an Electrosurgical Generator,
sometimes referred to as an RF Knife.