Testicular Degeneration as a Result of Microwave Irradiation

Abstract

A study was made concerning the effects of 12 cm electromagnetic waves and of infra red irradiations upon the testes of adult albino rats. A single ten-minute exposure to microwaves at a temperature of 35°C as measured in the central areas of the testes caused testicular degeneration in all cases. In some experiments testicular damage resulted from a single exposure at temperatures between 30° and 35°C. Testicular damage was not found in experiments in which infra red irradiation was applied for 10 minutes at 38°C but was observed when applied at a temperature of 40°C and above. The type of degeneration resulting from microwave exposure could not be distinguished from that produced by infra red.