Health and safety issues for microwave power transmission

A general public perception that microwaves are hazardous has been a key obstacle for acceptance of microwave power transmission (MPT). This perception will eventually dissipate and then attention will focus on a real technical problem, that of interference (RFI). This can range from perceptible through annoying to hazardous. A program of actions is proposed to accelerate the goal of public acceptance of MPT. In this paper, a historical review shows that the solar power satellite (SPS) was reviewed a number of times relative to potential microwave exposure hazards. In all cases, no ''show-stopper'' was found but often the shibboleth ''more research is needed'' was aired. It is shown that standards for safe exposure to microwaves are the most important asset in convincing an audience that microwave exposure associated with MPT or SPS is safe. Standard-setting, world-wide, is shown to converge towards rational limits that are supportive of the MPT/SPS concepts. In recent times there has been the proposed substitute of ''risk communication'' (''prudent avoidance''). This is an unwise substitute for standards. Other aspects of microwave exposure standards are the new interface with RFI-hence the need for a rational division of responsibility between the radiators and the victim devices, like medical electronics-using both radiation limits and susceptibility limits. Beneficial applications of microwave exposure are being developed. Several studies are recommended which could put into perspective the likelihood of improbable events that represent ''catastrophe''-e.g. the inadvertent focusing of a great amount of energy into inhabited areas.