Hazards of Radiation to Personnel (HERP)

Soldiers today are constantly exposed to radio frequency (RF) energy, whether deployed in peace or in active operations. The intensity of radiation to which a soldier is subjected has witnessed a phenomenal increase with advent of high power radio transmitters, radars, jammers and other non communication equipment. This is further compounded by increased density of emitters in battlefield. While a short duration inadvertent exposure may not be alarming, the harmful effects of prolonged exposure can not be overlooked. Hazards of radiation to personnel (HERP) is an acronym to describe detrimental effects occurring due to exposure to RF energy which range from minor irritation to total incapacitation. The danger of HERP occurs because the body absorbs radiation which in turn causes significant heating of organs without the knowledge of individuals as body does have internal sensation of heat. Tissue damages may occur before the access heat is dissipated. In this paper we provide an overview of HERP and also carry out an approximate theoretical analysis of RF absorption offered by human fat tissue in freq band of approx 2.5 GHz and compare results with effects at 27 MHz. A section at the end or than paper is devoted towards possible remedial measures.