Abstract

"Radar systems detect the presence, direction or range of aircraft, ships or other, usually moving objects. This is achieved by sending pulses of high frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF). Invented some 60 years ago, radar systems have been widely used for navigation, aviation, national defense and weather forecasting. Their primary objective is individual and collective safety and protection. People who live or routinely work around radars have expressed concerns about long-term adverse effects of these systems on health, including cancer, reproductive malfunction, cataracts and changes in behavior or development of children. A recent example has been the alleged increase in testicular cancer in police using speed control hand-held radar ""guns"". This paper helps to distinguish between perceived and real dangers that radars pose, as well as to understand the rational behind existing international standards and protective measures used today. "

Authors and Affiliations