This book examines the human auditory effects of exposure to directed beams of high-power microwave pulses, which research results have shown can cause a cascade of health events when aimed at a human subject or the subject’s head. The book details multidisciplinary investigations using physical theories and models, physiological events and phenomena, and computer analysis and simulation. Coverage includes brain anatomy and physiology, dosimetry of microwave power deposition, microwave auditory effect, interaction mechanisms, shock/pressure wave induction, Havana syndrome, and application in microwave thermoacoustic tomography (MTT). The book will be welcomed by scientists, academics, health professionals, government officials, and practicing biomedical engineers as an important contribution to the continuing study of the effects of microwave pulse absorption on humans.

It is one of the most extraordinary cases in the history of science: the mating calls of insects were mistaken for a “sonic weapon” that led to a major diplomatic row. Since August 2017, the world media has been absorbed in the “attack” on diplomats from the American and Canadian Embassies in Cuba. While physicians treating victims have described it as a novel and perplexing condition that involves an array of complaints including brain damage, the authors present compelling evidence that mass psychogenic illness was the cause of “Havana Syndrome.” This mysterious condition that has baffled experts is explored across 11-chapters which offer insights by a prominent neurologist and an expert on psychogenic illness. A lively and enthralling read, the authors explore the history of similar scares from the 18th century belief that sounds from certain musical instruments were harmful to human health, to 19th century cases of “telephone shock,” and more contemporary panics involving people living near wind turbines that have been tied to a variety of health complaints. The authors provide dozens of examples of kindred episodes of mass hysteria throughout history, in addition to psychosomatic conditions and even the role of insects in triggering outbreaks. Havana Syndrome: Mass Psychogenic Illness and the Real Story Behind the Embassy Mystery and Hysteria is a scientific detective story and a case study in the social construction of mass psychogenic illness.

From engineering fundamentals to cutting-edge clinical applications This book examines the biological effects of RF/microwaves and their medical applications. Readers will discover new developments in therapeutic applications in such areas as cardiology, urology, surgery, ophthalmology, and oncology. The authors also present developing applications in such areas as cancer detection and organ imaging. Focusing on frequency ranges from 100 kHz to 10 GHz, RF/Microwave Interaction with Biological Tissues is divided into six chapters: * Fundamentals in Electromagnetics--examines penetration of RF/microwaves into biological tissues; skin effect; relaxation effects in materials and the Cole-Cole model (display); the near field of an antenna; blackbody radiation and the various associated laws; and microwave measurements. * RF/Microwave Interaction Mechanisms in Biological Materials--includes a section devoted to the fundamentals of thermodynamics and a discussion on energy and entropy. * Biological Effects--investigates the effects of radio frequency fields on the nervous system, the brain and spinal cord, the blood-brain barrier, and cells and membranes. * Thermal Therapy--includes a description of applicators and an extensive discussion on the foundation of dielectric heating and inductive heating. * EM-Wave Absorbers Protecting the Biological and Medical Environment--investigates materials for EM-wave absorbers from both a theoretical and applications perspective. Special attention is given to ferrite absorbers. * RF/Microwave Delivery Systems for Therapeutic Applications--begins with the fundamental features of major components used in RF/microwave delivery systems for therapeutic applications. New research towards the development of future measurement techniques is also presented. The book features problem sets at the end of each chapter, making it an excellent introduction for bioengineering and engineering students. Researchers, physicians, and technicians in the field will also find this an excellent reference that offers all the fundamentals, the most cutting-edge applications, and insight into future developments. An Instructor's Manual presenting detailed solutions to all the problems in the book is available from the Wiley editorial department.

A comprehensive review of non-ionizing radiation and its public health and environmental risks, for researchers, policy makers, and laymen This book explains the characteristics of all forms of electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation (NIR) and analyzes the relationship between exposure and its biological effects, as well as the known dose-response relationships associated with each. Taking a uniquely holistic approach to the concept of health that builds upon the WHO definition to include not only absence of disease, but the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals and the population, it reviews established and potential risks and protections, along with regulatory issues associated with each. The risks to public health of NIR, whether in the form of UV light, radio waves from wireless devices, or electric and magnetic fields associated with electrical power systems, is currently a cause of great concern among members of the public and lawmakers. But in order to separate established science from speculation and make informed decisions about how to mitigate the risks of NIR and allocate precious resources, policymakers, manufacturers, and individuals need a comprehensive source of up-to-date information based on the current scientific evidence. Written by a team of experts in their fields, this book is that source. Among other things, it: Summarizes scientific findings on the safety of different forms of NIR and the rationale behind current standards Describes devices for monitoring NIR along with the established and potential hazards of each form Explores proper protections against UV light and lasers, RF radiation, ELF fields and other forms of NIR Discusses how to avoid injuries through occupational training or public awareness programs, and how to perform medical assessments in cases of suspected NIR injuries Considers how to decide whether or not to spend money on certain mitigation measures, based on cost-benefit analyses Offering expert reviews and analyses of the latest scientific findings and public policy issues concerning the risks to public health and the environment of NIR, Non-ionizing Radiation Protection is an indispensable source of information for manufacturers, government regulators, and regulatory agencies, as well as researchers, concerned laypersons, and students.

Environmental indicators are the first line of warning against hazards caused by humans or nature catastrophes to prevent diseases and death of living organisms. The present book covers a large variety of environmental indicators from physical-chemistry through economical, bioinformatics, electromagnetic irradiation and health aspects, all dealing with environmental pollution. This volume has been intended to environmentalists, engineers, scientists and policy makers as well to anybody interested in the latest development in the indicator field.