Electromagnetic wave hazards

Electromagnetic wave hazards infrared, UV, laser, invisible light, sunlight, high intensity light, SW, MW, LW, UH, UVW. 

Initiation by Radio Frequency (RF) Radiation. RF radiation, ie, radio wave radar transmitters can, under certain circumstances, initiate electroexplosive devices. This topic will be discussed under Radio Frequency Radiation, Effects on Explosives. Also see articles on Electromagnetic Compatibility Electromagnetic Field Hazard, Simulated in Vol 5, pp E70-71 and Electric Blasting Caps and RF Energy in Vol 5, p E25-L... 

C. Antenna. The antenna is used to make a transition from a guided wave (from the transmission line) to a radiated electromagnetic wave. The design of the antenna is influenced by many factors such as size, frequency, and electrical impedance. Antennas are normally of two types - omnidirectional and directional. The omnidirectional antennas are element type antennas such as monopoles or dipoles. The directional are horn-type antennas, parabolic dish type antennas such as a satellite communications antenna (SATCOM), or a phased-array antenna which can emit many beams at once. The characteristics of the antenna are a very important aspect of hazard evaluation. 

In as far as hazard perception deals with the understanding of simple perceptual realities, i.e., with the perception of objects, tones, smells or tactile sensations, the general principles which have been established over the course of many years in the field of perception research (see Krech Crutchfield, 1973 Schmidt, 1973 Metzger, 1975 Hochberg, 1977) can be applied here as well. We know that certain physical processes which occur in the presence of a person, such as electromagnetic waves, vibrations of the air, oscillations, etc., can lead to changes in the senses. 

Illinger, K.H. "Interaction between Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Electromagnetic Fields and Biological Systems Molecular Mechanisms", in "Biological Effects and Health Hazards of Microwave Radiation", Proc. Intern. Symposium, Czerski, P. et. al., Eds. (Polish Medical Publishers Warsaw, 1974) p. 160. 

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