How Do Radio Waves Affect Human Tissue?

[Livethefire]

I realize this might be a complicated question, but I can't seem to find any textbooks or papers that address this head on. Perhaps I am naive in this field.

What happens to the electric and magnetic parts of a radio wave as it passes through the human body?

As far as I understand: The electric field of a radio wave will interact with the body tissue quite strongly due to the variable permittivity of the various tissues. However, the magnetic field won't since it doesn't interact much (if at all) with the body. Since the two fields are coupled this still means the magnetic field will change in the medium.

Is this correct? Any further resources or insights into this?

I am aware the analysis of this situation will most likely change depending on field strengths and frequencies but for an average transmitted radio wave, what will happen?

Thank you.

 

[davenn]

... snip...

As far as I understand: The electric field of a radio wave will interact with the body tissue quite strongly due to the variable permittivity of the various tissues. However, the magnetic field won't since it doesn't interact much (if at all) with the body. Since the two fields are coupled this still means the magnetic field will change in the medium.

Is this correct? Any further resources or insights into this?

I am aware the analysis of this situation will most likely change depending on field strengths and frequencies but for an average transmitted radio wave, what will happen?

Thank you.

the magnetic field has quite an effect specially as it gets stronger. do a google search on MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging, as used in the medical world :)

Dave