be made to validate the apparently credible, published reports of potential adverse health effects of 2.45 GHz radiation. In addition, effects reported at certain other frequencies should be investigated to determine whether or not they will occur at 2.45 GHz. The intent behind the retrospective studies is to determine the validity of reports that are germane to the SPS environmental assessment program. The information developed from this work will also be used in the design of the long-term experiments to be conducted after 1980. 1.2.2 Effects on Ecosystems Only rarely has microwave effects research with direct ecological implications been performed and never has the impact of microwaves on an entire ecosystem been attempted. Nevertheless, in a cursory review of the literature in this area, several reports have been identified which may have a bearing on the SPS program (Ref. 1.8.1). These studies imply that, at least at very high levels of exposure to microwaves, some plants have increased susceptibility to drought and decreased productivity; avian species have increased lethality, decreased reproductive success and alterations in normal behavior. However, data for the ecological effects of continuous, low level exposures expected to be associated with SPS are nonexistent. As a first step, a comprehensive review and critical interpretation of the literature on the ecological effects of microwaves will be conducted. A computer-retrievable information system will be developed which will allow the identification of critical ecological information gaps. Ecological research protocols that address these gaps and are specific to SPS needs will be formulated during FY 1978-80. Particular emphasis will be on the relationship between rectenna operation and ecosystems. 1.3 CAUSE AND EFFECT RELATIONSHIPS The cause and effect relationships for the microwave biological effects are shown in Fig. 1.1. Each effect is given a probability (P) rating and an issue severity (S) rating depending upon the expected probability of occurrence and the criticality of the effect as an SPS issue, i.e., how important the issue is to the SPS decision-making processes, if required mitigating strategies cannot be implemented.
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