levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating tissue), exposureto low level RF that does not produce heating effects causes noknown adverse health effects.The biological effects of radio frequency energy should not beconfused with the effects from other types of electromagneticenergy.Very high levels of electromagnetic energy, such as is found inX-rays and gamma rays, can ionize biological tissues. Ionization is aprocess where electrons are stripped away from their normallocations in atoms and molecules. It can permanently damagebiological tissues including DNA, the genetic material.The energy levels associated with radio frequency energy, includingboth radio waves and microwaves, are not great enough to causeionization of atoms and molecules. Therefore, RF energy is a type ofnon-ionizing radiation. Other types of non-ionizing radiation includevisible light, infrared radiation (heat), and other forms ofelectromagnetic radiation with relatively low frequencies.While RF energy does not ionize particles, large amounts canincrease body temperatures and cause tissue damage. Two areas ofthe body, the eyes and the testes, are particularly vulnerable to RFheating because there is relatively little blood flow in them to carryaway excess heat.Research Results to Date: Is there a connection between RFand certain health problems?The results of most studies conducted to date say no. In addition,attempts to replicate and confirm the few studies that have shown aconnection have failed.153
