Electromagnetic waves can indeed be used to affect electronic equipment through a variety of mechanisms such as electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic pulses (EMP), or targeted electromagnetic attacks. However, the effects of electromagnetic waves on humans are different due to several factors:
Energy Levels: The energy levels required to disrupt or damage electronic equipment are typically much lower than the levels that would cause harm to humans. Electronic devices can be sensitive to even small levels of electromagnetic radiation, while the human body is relatively more resilient to such effects.
Frequency and Penetration: Different frequencies of electromagnetic waves interact with matter in different ways. For example, radio waves and microwaves can penetrate the human body to varying degrees without causing significant harm, as they are generally non-ionizing radiation. However, at extremely high power levels or certain frequencies, even non-ionizing radiation can cause harm, such as heating of body tissues.
Biological Resilience: The human body has evolved to tolerate and protect against various forms of natural electromagnetic radiation, such as sunlight and radio waves. Our biological systems have mechanisms to mitigate potential damage caused by these forms of radiation. While high-intensity exposure to certain types of electromagnetic radiation can be harmful, it generally requires specialized and targeted equipment to reach those levels.
Regulatory and Safety Measures: There are strict regulations and safety standards in place to protect individuals from harmful levels of electromagnetic radiation. Organizations like the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and national regulatory bodies set guidelines and exposure limits to ensure public safety.
It's worth noting that there are non-lethal technologies that utilize directed energy, including electromagnetic waves, for crowd control or riot dispersal purposes. These technologies, such as Active Denial Systems, are designed to deliver a controlled amount of energy to induce discomfort or repel individuals without causing permanent harm.
Overall, while electromagnetic waves can disrupt electronic equipment, the effects on humans are typically less pronounced and require much higher energy levels or targeted, specialized equipment to cause significant harm.