Hematological changes in peripheral blood of workers occupationally exposed to microwave radiation.

Goldoni J,

Health Physics 58:205-207, 1990

In a group of 14 men occupationally exposed to microwaves, hematological examinations were performed at an interval of 2 years. The exposed group consisted of male radar technicians working in air traffic control. They were exposed to pulsed microwaves of various frequencies within the whole range used in radar operations for 7-14 years.

Controls were 10 male electronic technicians working at the airport, but far from any sources of microwave radiation.

The results of hematological examinations at a 2-year interval in the exposed group show a significant decrease in thrombocyte and leukocyte counts.

The number of leukocytes and erythrocytes in the peripheral blood was significantly lower in the exposed than in the control group. There was no significant difference in reticulocyte and lymphocyte counts.