Early research on the biological effects of microwave radiation: 1940-1960.

S u m m a r y Two overriding considerations shaped the development of early research on the biological effects of microwave radia t ion--poss ib le medical application (diathermy) and uncer ta in ty about the hazards of exposure to radar. Reports in the late 1940s and early 1950s of hazards resulting from microwave exposure led to the near abandonment of medical research related to microwave dia thermy at the same t ime tha t mil i tary and industrial concern over hazards grew, culminating in the massive research effort known as ' the Tri-Service program' (1957-1960). Both the early focus on medical application and the la ter search for hazards played impor tan t roles in dictat ing how this field of research developed as a science.