The history of EMR research is marked by instances of science suppression and industry interference.
Cold War Origins
Modern EMR guidelines descend from Cold War military research focused exclusively on acute heating. The logic was simple: if RF energy doesn't raise tissue temperature significantly, it's irrelevant. This was never biologically validated.
The Motorola-Lai DNA Damage Scandal
In 1994, Henry Lai and N.P. Singh published research showing low-level microwave radiation caused DNA strand breaks. Motorola launched a coordinated campaign to discredit the work. Internal memos revealed plans to "war-game" the research.
When another researcher, Jerry Phillips, also found DNA damage working for Motorola, the company disputed his results and tried to control publication. His funding dried up, and he left the field.
CSIRO Suppression in Australia
Australia once had world-class EMR research at CSIRO. When early findings suggested biological effects at low levels, funding was withdrawn and the program was dismantled. ARPANSA filled the vacuum with ICNIRP orthodoxy.
International Scientific Dissent
In response to regulatory capture, independent scientists organized:
- BioInitiative Report (2007, 2012): Comprehensive review of thousands of studies
- Seletun Statement (2009): Called existing standards "inadequate and obsolete"
- Salzburg Resolution (2000): Recommended limits 10,000x lower than official standards
- EMF Scientist Appeal (2015+): 260+ scientists calling for stronger guidelines
These represent a global scientific minority warning about EMR for decades.