NCJ Number
133629
Journal
National FOP Journal Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1991) Pages: 9-13
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The potential hazards of microwave radiation and electromagnetic fields, present in the traffic radar equipment in police patrol cars, is receiving more attention from officers nationwide.
Abstract
While many researchers and medical personnel believe that long-term exposure to low-power microwave transmitters may be dangerous, most police administrators and radar manufacturers contend that traffic radar is user safe. This author describes research that indicates that traffic radar may promote cancer among police officers. For example, a study of police officers in Washington indicated that the number of cancers in that occupational sample is disproportionately high. The FDA has issued guidelines on safer use of traffic radar. The most frequent recommendation that has emerged is to place the radar antenna outside the police vehicle to avoid microwave emissions.