The Telegraph recently reported that after conducting a meta-analysis of 97 different studies, the EU-backed review body EKLIPSE has concluded that the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted by powerlines, Wi-Fi, broadcast transmitters and phone towers, poses a “credible” danger to insects, spiders, birds and mammals.
Over 230 concerned scientists have issued an appeal to the United Nations requesting that they investigate and address this significant danger.
What is electromagnetic radiation?
LiveScience explains that EMR is a form of energy that is found all around us in the form of gamma rays, x-rays, radio waves, microwaves and even sunlight:
There are four main electromagnetic interactions:
- The force of attraction or repulsion between electric charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
- Magnetic poles come in pairs that attract and repel each other, much as electric charges do.
- An electric current in a wire produces a magnetic field whose direction depends on the direction of the current.
- A moving electric field produces a magnetic field, and vice versa.
The EKLIPSE report concluded that EMR interferes with the magnetic orientation of mammals, birds, spiders and insects, and alters plant metabolism.
A serious concern
The charity Buglife has warned that although scientists are aware that EMR potentially poses serious risks to wildlife, very little research is being conducted into exactly how much of a risk it poses or ways in which to mitigate that risk.
Buglife has urged telecommunications companies upgrading to fifth generation (5G) transmitters to place these devices as far away from streetlights as possible, since these attract insects. They should also be located in areas where they will have the least possible impact on wildlife.
“We apply limits to all types of pollution to protect the habitability of our environment,” noted Matt Shardlow, CEO of Buglife, “but as yet, even in Europe, the safe limits of electromagnetic radiation have not been determined, let alone applied.
“There is a credible risk that 5G could impact significantly on wildlife, and that placing transmitters on LED street lamps, which attract nocturnal insects such as moths increases exposure and thereby risk.
“Therefore we call for all 5G pilots to include detailed studies of their influence and impacts on wildlife, and for the results of those studies to be made public.” (Related: If you are concerned about the environment be sure to bookmark Environ.news.)
Dangerous for humans, too
Electromagnetic radiation has also been found to be damaging to the health of humans, and has been linked to diseases like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, cancer and chronic fatigue. It has also been found to create brain fog, anxiety, depression and forgetfulness, particularly in those who are more sensitive to its effects. (Related: The science is conclusive: Mobile phones cause cancer.)
Although it is virtually impossible to avoid all exposure to EMR (also known as electromagnetic frequencies, or EMFs), try to minimize risk by turning off and unplugging appliances whenever they are not in use. Wi-Fi networks should be avoided, particularly in the home. Switching from halogen and fluorescent lighting to LCDs is a safer alternative. Keep the handset of your cordless or cellular phone away from your body, and use the speaker instead of placing the receiver against your ear.
Grounding the body by standing barefoot on a dewy patch of grass or walking on the beach for 10 minutes a day is also helpful, as is ensuring you get an adequate supply of the right nutrients, which include zinc, selenium, glutathione, melatonin, the B vitamins, curcumin and vitamin D3, among others.
See EMF.news for more news about electromagnetic pollution.
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