Radiation from antennas fed by high-powered, radio-frequency (RF) transmitters has the potential to directly injure the soft tissue of personnel who are near the radiating antennas. These injuries result from the tissue being "cooked" in a manner similar to the way food is cooked in a microwave oven. Transmitters aboard ships, on aircraft, and at shore stations are potential sources of harmful radiation.

The sensations caused by exposure to excessive RF radiation vary. You should remain alert in any area in which you may be exposed to RF radiation because, at some frequencies, exposure to excessive levels of RF radiation will not produce a noticeable sensation of pain or discomfort to give warning that injury may be occurring.

Radiated RF energy can also cause indirect injury to personnel by inducing high RF voltage levels in metal objects. If you touch such an object while it contains a high RF voltage, you will likely receive an RF burn. The current will produce heat as it overcomes the resistance of your skin. The effect of the heat may range from warmth to a painful burn.

LASER RADIATION HAZARDS

The word laser is the acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. A laser is a concentrated beam of optical radiation. As a technology has increased, the use of lasers has increased from industrial and medical purposes to both offensive and defensive military purposes.

Table 3-6.-Electrostatic Discharge Precautions

Figure 3-2.-The electromagnetic spectrum.

Lasers can have varying effects on a person. Effects on the eyes can range from inflammation of the cornea to corneal burn. Effects on the skin can range from accelerated skin aging to skin burn. If you use lasers at your command, be sure to follow all safety precautions for the class of laser in use and all directions given to you by your command's laser safety officer.

For more information on the use of lasers, refer to the Navy Occupational Safety and Health (NAVOSH) Program Manual, OPNAVINST 5100.23, for shore operations; and the NAVOSH Program Manual for Forces Afloat, OPNAVINST 5100.19, for shipboard operations.

Q6.     What common household appliance is typically used to illustrate the tissue damage that can be done by harmful RF exposure?