Review of the biological effects due to high-power microwaves exposure

High power microwaves (HPMs), characterized by frequencies spanning from 1 GHz to 300 GHz and peak power exceeding 100 MW, have numerous applications but also pose considerable health hazards. This review discusses the biological effects of HPMs on various human and animal cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Notably, HPMs can damage brain structures, particularly the hippocampus, causing oxidative stress and DNA damage, which in turn contribute to cognitive impairment. The immune system is subject to dual effects from HPMs, exhibiting both stimulatory and suppressive immune responses contingent on the specifics of exposure details. In the reproductive system, HPMs are observe to diminish male fertility by interfering with spermatogenesis and semen quality, although antioxidants may mitigate these effects. Furthermore, HPMs may exacerbate skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, and potentially accelerate the onset of skin cancer. With regard to cardiovascular health, these effects are usually transient, mainly affecting blood pressure and heart rate, but ultimately not impairing them. Furthermore, HPMs in agricultural production, sterilization and other beneficial effects have been found. This review provides valuable references for the investigation of the biological effects and the underlying mechanisms of HPM, as well as for the revision of related standards and guidelines. High power microwaves (HPMs), used in many modern technologies, can pose health risks due to their biological effects on the human body. This review explores how exposure to HPMs affects various systems and organs, including the brain, immune system, reproductive organs, and cardiovascular health. HPMs can damage brain structures, especially the hippocampus, leading to cognitive impairment, while also causing oxidative stress and DNA damage. The effects on the immune system can be either stimulating or suppressing, depending on the exposure. In the reproductive system, HPMs may lower male fertility by affecting sperm production and quality, though antioxidants may help reduce this damage. Skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis may worsen with exposure to HPMs, and cardiovascular effects, like changes in blood pressure and heart rate, are usually short-term. Understanding these effects can help inform protective measures against HPM exposure and guide further research on mitigating its potential health risks.