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Manville AM, Levitt BB, Lai HC. Health and environmental effects to wildlife from radio telemetry and tracking devices-state of the science and best management practices. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1283709. [PMID: 38511190 PMCID: PMC10954089 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1283709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper discusses the potential health risks and benefits to tagged wildlife from the use of radio tracking, radio telemetry, and related microchip and data-logger technologies used to study, monitor and track mostly wildlife in their native habitats. Domestic pets, especially canids, are briefly discussed as radio-tagging devices are also used on/in them. Radio tracking uses very high frequency (VHF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), and global positioning system (GPS) technologies, including via satellites where platform terminal transmitters (PTTs) are used, as well as geo-locating capabilities using satellites, radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips, and passive integrated responder (PIT) tags, among others. Such tracking technologies have resulted in cutting-edge findings worldwide that have served to protect and better understand the behaviors of myriad wildlife species. As a result, scientists, field researchers, technicians, fish and wildlife biologists and managers, plus wildlife and other veterinarian specialists, frequently opt for its use without fully understanding the ramifications to target species and their behaviors. These include negative physiological effects from electromagnetic fields (EMF) to which many nonhuman species are exquisitely sensitive, as well as direct placement/use-attachment impacts from radio collars, transmitters, and implants themselves. This paper provides pertinent studies, suggests best management practices, and compares technologies currently available to those considering and/or using such technologies. The primary focus is on the health and environmental risk/benefit decisions that should come into play, including ethical considerations, along with recommendations for more caution in the wildlife and veterinarian communities before such technologies are used in the first place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert M. Manville
- Advanced Academic Program’s Environmental Sciences and Policy Division, School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - B. Blake Levitt
- National Association of Science Writers, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Henry C. Lai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Muheim R, Phillips JB. Effects of low-level RF fields reveal complex pattern of magnetic input to the avian magnetic compass. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19970. [PMID: 37968316 PMCID: PMC10651899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46547-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The avian magnetic compass can be disrupted by weak narrow-band and broadband radio-frequency (RF) fields in the lower MHz range. However, it is unclear whether disruption of the magnetic compass results from the elimination of the perception pattern produced by the magnetic field or from qualitative changes that make the pattern unrecognizable. We show that zebra finches trained in a 4-arm maze to orient relative to the magnetic field are disoriented when tested in the presence of low-level (~ 10 nT) Larmor-frequency RF fields. However, they are able to orient when tested in such RF fields if trained under this condition, indicating that the RF field alters, but does not eliminate, the magnetic input. Larmor-frequency RF fields of higher intensities, with or without harmonics, dramatically alter the magnetic compass response. In contrast, exposure to broadband RF fields in training, in testing, or in both training and testing eliminates magnetic compass information. These findings demonstrate that low-level RF fields at intensities found in many laboratory and field experiments may have very different effects on the perception of the magnetic field in birds, depending on the type and intensity of the RF field, and the birds' familiarity with the RF-generated pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Muheim
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Biology Building, 223 62, Lund, Sweden.
| | - John B Phillips
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
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Treder M, Müller M, Fellner L, Traynor K, Rosenkranz P. Defined exposure of honey bee colonies to simulated radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF): Negative effects on the homing ability, but not on brood development or longevity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165211. [PMID: 37391156 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization and the increasing use of wireless technologies lead to higher emission rates of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in populated areas. This anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation is a form of environmental pollution and a potential stressor on bees or other flying insects. Cities often have a high density of wireless devices operating on microwave frequencies, which generate electromagnetic frequencies e.g. in the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz bands commonly used by the wireless technologies. To date the effects of nonionizing electromagnetic radiation on the vitality and behavior of insects are poorly understood. In our experiment we used honey bees as model organisms and analyzed the effects of defined exposures to 2.4 and 5.8 GHz on brood development, longevity and homing ability under field conditions. To generate this radiation, we used a high-quality radiation source which generates a consistent, definable and realistic electromagnetic radiation, engineered for this experiment by the Communications Engineering Lab (CEL) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Our results show significant effects of long-term exposures on the homing ability of foraging honey bees, but no effects on brood development and adult worker longevity. Using this novel and high-quality technical set-up, this interdisciplinary work provides new data on the effects of these widely used frequencies on important fitness parameters of free-flying honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Treder
- State Institute of Bee Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Marcus Müller
- Communications Engineering Lab, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Larissa Fellner
- State Institute of Bee Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Kirsten Traynor
- State Institute of Bee Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Peter Rosenkranz
- State Institute of Bee Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Kumari S, Dalal J, Kumar V, Kumar A, Ohlan A. Emerging Two-Dimensional Materials for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Application. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12267. [PMID: 37569645 PMCID: PMC10419163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Graphene is the first two-dimensional material that becomes the center material in various research areas of material science, chemistry, condensed matter, and engineering due to its advantageous properties, including larger specific area, lower density, outstanding electrical conductivity, and ease of processability. These properties attracted the attention of material researchers that resulted in a large number of publications on EMI shielding in a short time and play a central role in addressing the problems and challenges faced in this modern era of electronics by electromagnetic interference. After the popularity of graphene, the community of material researchers investigated other two-dimensional materials like MXenes, hexagonal boron nitride, black phosphorous, transition metal dichalcogenides, and layered double hydroxides, to additionally enhance the EMI shielding response of materials. The present article conscientiously reviews the current progress in EMI shielding materials in reference to two-dimensional materials and addresses the future challenges and research directions to achieve the goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Kumari
- Department of Physics, Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind 126102, India
| | - Jasvir Dalal
- Department of Physics, Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind 126102, India
| | - Vibhor Kumar
- School of Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Anand Kumar
- Department of Physics, Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind 126102, India
| | - Anil Ohlan
- Department of Physics, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak 124001, India
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Spandole-Dinu S, Catrina AM, Voinea OC, Andone A, Radu S, Haidoiu C, Călborean O, Popescu DM, Suhăianu V, Baltag O, Tuță L, Roșu G. Pilot Study of the Long-Term Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure on the Mouse Brain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3025. [PMID: 36833719 PMCID: PMC9961585 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The increasing radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation pollution resulting from the development and use of technologies utilizing RF has sparked debate about the possible biological effects of said radiation. Of particular concern is the potential impact on the brain, due to the close proximity of communication devices to the head. The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of long-term exposure to RF on the brains of mice in a real-life scenario simulation compared to a laboratory setting. The animals were exposed continuously for 16 weeks to RF using a household Wi-Fi router and a laboratory device with a frequency of 2.45 GHz, and were compared to a sham-exposed group. Before and after exposure, the mice underwent behavioral tests (open-field test and Y-maze); at the end of the exposure period, the brain was harvested for histopathological analysis and assessment of DNA methylation levels. Long-term exposure of mice to 2.45 GHz RF radiation increased their locomotor activity, yet did not cause significant structural or morphological changes in their brains. Global DNA methylation was lower in exposed mice compared to sham mice. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to understand the potential effects of RF radiation on brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Spandole-Dinu
- “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Catrina
- “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Cristina Voinea
- “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Andone
- “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Speranța Radu
- “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cerasela Haidoiu
- “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octavian Călborean
- “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Diana Mihaela Popescu
- “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vladimir Suhăianu
- “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octavian Baltag
- Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Leontin Tuță
- Center of Excellence in Communications and Information Technology, Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 050141 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Georgiana Roșu
- Department of Military Systems and Equipment, Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 050141 Bucharest, Romania
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Reategui-Inga M, Rojas EM, Tineo D, Araníbar-Araníbar MJ, Valdiviezo WA, Escalante CA, Ruiz Castre SJ. Effects of Artificial Electromagnetic Fields on Bees: A Global Review. Pak J Biol Sci 2023; 26:23-32. [PMID: 37129202 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2023.23.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
<b>Background and Objective:</b> Electromagnetic fields coming from electric and electronic devices, mobile telephony antennas, or electrical installations are continuously growing and are in direct relation with population growth. In that sense, the purpose of this investigation was to determine what are the effects of artificial electromagnetic fields on the behavior and viability of bees through a global perspective (1968-2022). <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The methodology used in this research consisted of the review of literature obtained from platforms such as Scopus, EBSCO, IEEE, Wiley, Google Scholar and Taylor & Francis. <b>Results:</b> It was possible to review 36 studies on the field and to state that investigations on this topic have increased in 2019, at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.86% (in a period of 54 years). Poland and USA are the leading countries in the number and importance of investigations on this topic. Keywords were grouped on the basis of the advancement of the research (honeybee, animals, <i>Apis mellifera</i> and apoideos). <b>Conclusion:</b> The study of the effects of electromagnetic fields on bees makes it possible to understand its impact on the metabolism and viability of bees.
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Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 3. Exposure standards, public policy, laws, and future directions. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:531-558. [PMID: 34563106 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to the continuous rising ambient levels of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs) used in modern societies-primarily from wireless technologies-that have now become a ubiquitous biologically active environmental pollutant, a new vision on how to regulate such exposures for non-human species at the ecosystem level is needed. Government standards adopted for human exposures are examined for applicability to wildlife. Existing environmental laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S. and others used in Canada and throughout Europe, should be strengthened and enforced. New laws should be written to accommodate the ever-increasing EMF exposures. Radiofrequency radiation exposure standards that have been adopted by worldwide agencies and governments warrant more stringent controls given the new and unusual signaling characteristics used in 5G technology. No such standards take wildlife into consideration. Many species of flora and fauna, because of distinctive physiologies, have been found sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that surpass human reactivity. Such exposures may now be capable of affecting endogenous bioelectric states in some species. Numerous studies across all frequencies and taxa indicate that low-level EMF exposures have numerous adverse effects, including on orientation, migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance, defense, vitality, longevity, and survivorship. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have long been observed. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as 'habitat' so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. A robust dialog regarding technology's high-impact role in the nascent field of electroecology needs to commence. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards should be set accordingly for wildlife, including, but not limited to, the redesign of wireless devices, as well as infrastructure, in order to reduce the rising ambient levels (explored in Part 1). Possible environmental approaches are discussed. This is Part 3 of a three-part series.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry C Lai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Albert M Manville
- Advanced Academic Programs, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Policy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. Low-level EMF effects on wildlife and plants: What research tells us about an ecosystem approach. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1000840. [PMID: 36505009 PMCID: PMC9732734 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1000840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is enough evidence to indicate we may be damaging non-human species at ecosystem and biosphere levels across all taxa from rising background levels of anthropogenic non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 0 Hz to 300 GHz. The focus of this Perspective paper is on the unique physiology of non-human species, their extraordinary sensitivity to both natural and anthropogenic EMF, and the likelihood that artificial EMF in the static, extremely low frequency (ELF) and radiofrequency (RF) ranges of the non-ionizing electromagnetic spectrum are capable at very low intensities of adversely affecting both fauna and flora in all species studied. Any existing exposure standards are for humans only; wildlife is unprotected, including within the safety margins of existing guidelines, which are inappropriate for trans-species sensitivities and different non-human physiology. Mechanistic, genotoxic, and potential ecosystem effects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Blake Levitt
- National Association of Science Writers, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Henry C. Lai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Albert M. Manville
- Advanced Academic Programs, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Policy, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC, United States
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Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 2 impacts: how species interact with natural and man-made EMF. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:327-406. [PMID: 34243228 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ambient levels of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) have risen sharply in the last five decades to become a ubiquitous, continuous, biologically active environmental pollutant, even in rural and remote areas. Many species of flora and fauna, because of unique physiologies and habitats, are sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that surpass human reactivity. This can lead to complex endogenous reactions that are highly variable, largely unseen, and a possible contributing factor in species extinctions, sometimes localized. Non-human magnetoreception mechanisms are explored. Numerous studies across all frequencies and taxa indicate that current low-level anthropogenic EMF can have myriad adverse and synergistic effects, including on orientation and migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance and defense, and on vitality, longevity and survivorship itself. Effects have been observed in mammals such as bats, cervids, cetaceans, and pinnipeds among others, and on birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, microbes and many species of flora. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have long been observed in laboratory research on animal models that can be extrapolated to wildlife. Unusual multi-system mechanisms can come into play with non-human species - including in aquatic environments - that rely on the Earth's natural geomagnetic fields for critical life-sustaining information. Part 2 of this 3-part series includes four online supplement tables of effects seen in animals from both ELF and RFR at vanishingly low intensities. Taken as a whole, this indicates enough information to raise concerns about ambient exposures to nonionizing radiation at ecosystem levels. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as 'habitat' so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards, which do not now exist, should be set accordingly for wildlife, and environmental laws should be strictly enforced - a subject explored in Part 3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry C Lai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Albert M Manville
- Advanced Academic Programs, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Policy, Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC Campus, USA
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El-Bassouiny HM, El-Medany WAZ, Kandil MAA. The Impact of Magnetic Field on Insecticide Toxicity Measured by Biological and Biochemical Parameters of Earias insulana (Boisd). Bioelectromagnetics 2022; 43:368-380. [PMID: 35930550 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study illustrates the effect of magnetic field (MF) on the toxicity of two insecticides, emamectin benzoate (Emazoate 2.15% EC) and spinosad (SpinTor 24% SC), and determines their adverse effects on the bollworm (Earias insulana) through various biological and biochemical assays. The investigation indicated that exposure to the insecticides in a MF of 180 mT resulted in stronger toxicity, with LC50 values of 0.162, 1.211, and 1.770 ppm, respectively. In addition, the results showed that magnetized insecticides significantly increased in the duration of the total immature stages (larvae and/or pupae) 32.1 and 36.6 days, compared with 27.9 and 30.5 days, respectively, in the nonmagnetized insecticides, while untreated check was 21 days. Also, the magnetized insecticides reduced the percentage of adult emergence, and increased deformations in the larval and pupal stages. Furthermore, sex ratio was greatly affected by exposure to both insecticides in conjunction with the MF. Exposure of the larvae of E insulana to magnetized insecticides can bring about malfunction in some biochemical process and significantly decreased the invertase activity, and decreased the total protein and carbohydrates. In contrast, it can increase amylase compared with nonmagnetized insecticides and untreated controls. Results concluded that the two insecticides' MF affected growth, survival time, and biological and biochemical parameters of E. insulana. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Warda A Z El-Medany
- Department of Bollworm, Plant Protection Research Institute, ARC, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mervat A A Kandil
- Department of Bollworm, Plant Protection Research Institute, ARC, Giza, Egypt
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Vargová B, Majláth I, Kurimský J, Cimbala R, Zbojovský J, Tryjanowski P, Majláthová V. Locomotor Activity of Ixodes ricinus Females in 900 MHz Electromagnetic Field. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12060884. [PMID: 35743915 PMCID: PMC9228494 DOI: 10.3390/life12060884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mobile telecommunications technologies have become an indispensable part of people’s lives of all ages around the world. They affect personal life and social interactions and are a work tool in the work routine. Network availability requirements and the quality of the Internet connection are constantly increasing, to which telecommunications providers are responding. Humans and wildlife live in the permanent presence of electromagnetic radiation with just a minor knowledge of the impact this radiation has. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of a 900 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) on the locomotor behavior of female Ixodes ricinus ticks under laboratory conditions. Experiments were performed in the radiation-shielded tube (RST) test and radiation-shielded circular open-field arena placed in an anechoic chamber. Altogether, 480 female I. ricinus ticks were tested. In the RST arena, no differences in preference for irradiated and shielded parts of experimental modules were observed; in the open-field arena, the time spent and the trajectory passed was significantly longer in the part exposed to the EMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blažena Vargová
- Center for Applied Research, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Igor Majláth
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 041 80 Košice, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +42-19-0367-6316
| | - Juraj Kurimský
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Mäsiarska 74, 041 20 Košice, Slovakia; (J.K.); (R.C.); (J.Z.)
| | - Roman Cimbala
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Mäsiarska 74, 041 20 Košice, Slovakia; (J.K.); (R.C.); (J.Z.)
| | - Ján Zbojovský
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Mäsiarska 74, 041 20 Košice, Slovakia; (J.K.); (R.C.); (J.Z.)
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Viktoria Majláthová
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 041 80 Košice, Slovakia;
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Jalihal S, Rana S, Sharma S. Systematic mapping on the importance of vultures in the Indian public health discourse. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (SINGAPORE) 2022; 5:135-143. [PMID: 37521585 PMCID: PMC9004616 DOI: 10.1007/s42398-022-00224-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Vultures are of immense ecological significance to forest and urban ecosystems. These birds play a major role in curbing environmental contamination through scavenging on carcasses. Prevention of spread of diseases is pivotal for public health and is an inexorable economic burden for any country. We present the crucial role vultures can play in disease mitigation and public health by regulating or decreasing the spread of zoonotic diseases. We elaborate examples from three zoonotic diseases; rabies, brucellosis and tuberculosis, which spread among dogs and cattle as well as human population. We establish the viable links in the transmission of these diseases from the infected dead and alive animals to humans and their possible exacerbation in the absence of vultures. These indirect links help formulate the case for increased interventions for disease spread and control along with conservation of these scavengers. Their role as natural and effective cleaners of the environment in the Indian health discourse is of importance because they can reduce the expenses of the government in waste management and maintenance of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Jalihal
- Department of Physical and Natural Sciences, FLAME University, Pune, 412115 India
| | - Shweta Rana
- Department of Physical and Natural Sciences, FLAME University, Pune, 412115 India
| | - Shailja Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, 342005 India
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Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, part 1. Rising ambient EMF levels in the environment. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:81-122. [PMID: 34047144 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ambient levels of electromagnetic fields (EMF) have risen sharply in the last 80 years, creating a novel energetic exposure that previously did not exist. Most recent decades have seen exponential increases in nearly all environments, including rural/remote areas and lower atmospheric regions. Because of unique physiologies, some species of flora and fauna are sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that may surpass human reactivity. There is limited, but comprehensive, baseline data in the U.S. from the 1980s against which to compare significant new surveys from different countries. This now provides broader and more precise data on potential transient and chronic exposures to wildlife and habitats. Biological effects have been seen broadly across all taxa and frequencies at vanishingly low intensities comparable to today's ambient exposures. Broad wildlife effects have been seen on orientation and migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance and defense, and longevity and survivorship. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have been observed. The above issues are explored in three consecutive parts: Part 1 questions today's ambient EMF capabilities to adversely affect wildlife, with more urgency regarding 5G technologies. Part 2 explores natural and man-made fields, animal magnetoreception mechanisms, and pertinent studies to all wildlife kingdoms. Part 3 examines current exposure standards, applicable laws, and future directions. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as 'habitat' so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards, which do not now exist, should be set accordingly for wildlife, and environmental laws should be strictly enforced.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Blake Levitt
- National Association of Science Writers, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Henry C Lai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Albert M Manville
- Advanced Academic Programs, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Policy, Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC Campus, USA
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Wang Y, Jiang Z, Zhang L, Zhang Z, Liao Y, Cai P. 3.5-GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation promotes the development of Drosophila melanogaster. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 294:118646. [PMID: 34896224 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
With the rapidly increasing popularity of 5G mobile technology, the effect of radiofrequency radiation on human health has caused public concern. This study explores the effects of a simulated 3.5 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMF) environment on the development and microbiome of flies under intensities of 0.1 W/m2, 1 W/m2 and 10 W/m2. We found that the pupation percentages in the first 3 days and eclosion rate in the first 2 days were increased under exposure to RF-EMF, and the mean development time was shortened. In a study on third-instar larvae, the expression levels of the heat shock protein genes hsp22, hsp26 and hsp70 and humoral immune system genes AttC, TotC and TotA were all significantly increased. In the oxidative stress system, DuoX gene expression was decreased, sod2 and cat gene expression levels were increased, and SOD and CAT enzyme activity also showed a significant increase. According to the 16S rDNA results, the diversity and species abundance of the microbial community decreased significantly, and according to the functional prediction analysis, the genera Acetobacter and Lactobacillus were significantly increased. In conclusion, 3.5 GHz RF-EMF may enhance thermal stress, oxidative stress and humoral immunity, cause changes in the microbial community, and regulate the insulin/TOR and ecdysteroid signalling pathways to promote fly development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China; Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Zhihao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China; Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China; Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Ziyan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Xiamen, 361021, China; Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Yanyan Liao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China; Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Peng Cai
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; Xiamen Key Laboratory of Physical Environment, Xiamen, 361021, China; Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
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Phillips J, Muheim R, Painter M, Raines J, Anderson C, Landler L, Dommer D, Raines A, Deutschlander M, Whitehead J, Fitzpatrick NE, Youmans P, Borland C, Sloan K, McKenna K. Why is it so difficult to study magnetic compass orientation in murine rodents? J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2022; 208:197-212. [PMID: 35094127 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-021-01532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A magnetic compass sense has been demonstrated in all major classes of vertebrates, as well as in many invertebrates. In mammals, controlled laboratory studies of mice have provided evidence for a robust magnetic compass that is comparable to, or exceeds, the performance of that in other animals. Nevertheless, the vast majority of laboratory studies of spatial behavior and cognition in murine rodents have failed to produce evidence of sensitivity to magnetic cues. Given the central role that a magnetic compass sense plays in the spatial ecology and cognition of non-mammalian vertebrates, and the potential utility that a global/universal reference frame derived from the magnetic field would have in mammals, the question of why responses to magnetic cues have been so difficult to demonstrate reliably is of considerable importance. In this paper, we review evidence that the magnetic compass of murine rodents shares a number of properties with light-dependent compasses in a wide variety of other animals generally believed to be mediated by a radical pair mechanism (RPM) or related quantum process. Consistent with the RPM, we summarize both published and previously unpublished findings suggesting that the murine rodent compass is sensitive to low-level radio frequency (RF) fields. Finally, we argue that the presence of anthropogenic RF fields in laboratory settings, may be an important source of variability in responses of murine rodents to magnetic cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Phillips
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA.
| | - Rachel Muheim
- Dept of Biology, Lund University, Biology Building, 223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Michael Painter
- Dept of Biology, Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33161, USA
| | - Jenny Raines
- University of Virginia, 409 Lane Road, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Chris Anderson
- Electrical Engineering Dept, US Naval Academy, 105 Maryland Ave, Annapolis, MD, 21402, USA
| | - Lukas Landler
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33/I, 1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dave Dommer
- University of Mount Olive, 5001 South Miami Boulevard, Durham, NC, 27703, USA
| | - Adam Raines
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
| | - Mark Deutschlander
- Dept of Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 300 Pulteney St., Geneva, NY, 14456, USA
| | - John Whitehead
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
| | | | - Paul Youmans
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
| | - Chris Borland
- Civic Champs, 642 N. Madison St., Suite 116, Bloomington, IN, 47404, USA
| | - Kelly Sloan
- Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, 3333 Sanibel Captiva Rd, PO Box 839, Sanibel, FL, 33957, USA
| | - Kaitlyn McKenna
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
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Guil F, Pérez-García JM. Bird electrocution on power lines: Spatial gaps and identification of driving factors at global scales. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 301:113890. [PMID: 34624576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Universal energy access is one of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and thus the deployment of electricity grids is expected to expand globally in the coming decades. However, the installation of power lines is not biodiversity-friendly. In particular, electrocution on power pylons is a major cause of bird mortality worldwide, including for some severely endangered species. Over the last decades, different studies have improved our understanding of the factors influencing the risk of electrocution in birds, but until now spatial gaps in our knowledge of these impacts and the factors driving global patterns of bird electrocution have not been assessed. In this study, we evaluated data from a total of 114 studies that provided information on bird mortality rates on power lines, and we analyzed the factors driving electrocution rates for all bird species, and then for all raptors and large eagles separately. Our results showed a high spatial distribution bias, as more than 80% of the studies were carried out in developed countries, mostly in Europe and North America. By contrast, no systematic studies have been found for Oceania and very few for South America and Africa. Europe showed the highest electrocution rates for birds, South America for raptor species and Africa for eagles. Socio-economic factors best-explained bird and raptor electrocution rates, while climate-related factors were the most influential for eagles. Contrary to our expectations, factors related to pylon design were the least influential on overall electrocution rates. Variables related to study design showed highly variable levels of influence. This could be due to the lack of standardized protocols. Although bird electrocution has been extensively studied, there are large areas where no studies have been carried out or for which data are inaccessible. This could be because in these areas the power distribution network is still sparse, or that most studies are not public or accessible to the international community. Researchers and managers should promote the publication of studies, as awareness is the first step to solving these problems. The factors identified could be applied globally to the design and planning of power grids and the identification of mortality hotspots. This would help mitigate the creation of new mortality hotspots, especially in developing countries where the installation of new power lines has been growing exponentially in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Guil
- Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification General Directorate, Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Plaza San Juan de la Cruz, S/N, 28071, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Pérez-García
- Ecology Area, Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental CIAGRO-UMH, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202, Elche, Spain.
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Akbari H, Khoramipour S, Eshagh Hossaini SK, Mafigholami R, Moradighiasabadi B. Effect of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) waves on some blood factors in domestic pigeons: an experimental study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2021; 19:1827-1833. [PMID: 34900310 PMCID: PMC8617219 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00738-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE BTS waves are one of the most important environmental pollutants, but there is inadequate data of its effects on living creatures. Birds have major role in environmental balance and hematologic factors are good describers of animal health. Therefore, we studied hematological factors in pigeons to assess the health effects of BTS waves in urban birds. METHODS This experiment has been run on 120 six month-old pigeons. After adaptation to laboratory settings, they divided to six random groups of distance from BTS and daily exposure time. G1: 50 cm/30 min, G2: 100 cm/30 min daily, G3: 150 cm/30 min, G4: 50 cm/60 min, G5: 100 cm/60 min and G6: 150 cm/60 min. Daily exposure done for 30 consecutive days. Hematologic studies done before and after exposure for analysis of WBC, Neut, Mono, Lymph, RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCHC and platelets. Results processed statistically by SPSS software. RESULTS The results of this study showed a significant difference between the six experimental groups. The results showed distance from the BTS source had the largest effect on PLT followed by HCT, MCV, MCHC, Neut, Hb, RBC, Lymph, WBC, and Mono, respectively. Moreover, the duration of exposure to BTS wave had the largest effect on Mono followed by PLT, Neut, MCV, MCHC, WBC, HCT, Lymph, RBC and Hb, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Study showed that increasing exposure time and decreasing distance from the wave source have significant effect on hematologic factors. The distance has more effect than exposure time. Further investigation on protection and reducing the side effects are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesam Akbari
- West Tehran Branch, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanaz Khoramipour
- West Tehran Branch, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Kamal Eshagh Hossaini
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Hazrat-E Fateme Masoume Hospital, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Roya Mafigholami
- West Tehran Branch, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Balmori A. Electromagnetic radiation as an emerging driver factor for the decline of insects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 767:144913. [PMID: 33636787 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The biodiversity of insects is threatened worldwide. Numerous studies have reported the serious decline in insects that has occurred in recent decades. The same is happening with the important group of pollinators, with an essential utility for pollination of crops. Loss of insect diversity and abundance is expected to provoke cascading effects on food webs and ecosystem services. Many authors point out that reductions in insect abundance must be attributed mainly to agricultural practices and pesticide use. On the other hand, evidence for the effects of non-thermal microwave radiation on insects has been known for at least 50 years. The review carried out in this study shows that electromagnetic radiation should be considered seriously as a complementary driver for the dramatic decline in insects, acting in synergy with agricultural intensification, pesticides, invasive species and climate change. The extent that anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation represents a significant threat to insect pollinators is unresolved and plausible. For these reasons, and taking into account the benefits they provide to nature and humankind, the precautionary principle should be applied before any new deployment (such 5G) is considered.
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Migdał P, Murawska A, Bieńkowski P, Berbeć E, Roman A. Changes in Honeybee Behavior Parameters under the Influence of the E-Field at 50 Hz and Variable Intensity. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020247. [PMID: 33498413 PMCID: PMC7909437 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
EM-fields come from both natural and anthropogenic sources. This study aimed to investigate changes in honeybee behavior parameters under the influence of an electric field at 50 Hz and variable intensity. Bees were exposed for 1 h, 3 h, or 6 h to the following artificial E-field intensities: 5.0 kV/m, 11.5 kV/m, 23.0 kV/m, or 34.5 kV/m. Bees in the control group were under the influence of an E-field <2.0 kV/m. Six basic behaviors were selected for bee observation (walking, grooming, flight, stillness, contact between individuals, and wing movement). Our research shows the impact of bee exposure time on behavioral change within groups. Exposure for 3 h caused a decrease in the time that bees spent on behaviors and in the number of occurrences. After 6 h, the parameters increased within the groups, as was the case with 1 h exposure. This may indicate that there is a behavioral barrier that allows the pattern to normalize for some time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Migdał
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 25 C.K. Norwida St., 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (E.B.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-71-3205864
| | - Agnieszka Murawska
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 25 C.K. Norwida St., 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (E.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Paweł Bieńkowski
- Telecommunications and Teleinformatics Department, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 27 Wybrzeze, Wyspianskiego St., 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Ewelina Berbeć
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 25 C.K. Norwida St., 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (E.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Adam Roman
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 25 C.K. Norwida St., 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (E.B.); (A.R.)
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Chicas‐Mosier AM, Radi M, Lafferrandre J, O'Hara JF, Vora HD, Abramson CI. Low Strength Magnetic Fields Serve as a Cue for Foraging Honey Bees but Prior Experience is More Indicative of Choice. Bioelectromagnetics 2020; 41:458-470. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.22285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Chicas‐Mosier
- Department of Integrative Biology Oklahoma State University Stillwater Stillwater Oklahoma
| | - Medhat Radi
- Department of Pest Physiology Plant Protection Research Institute Dokki Egypt
| | - Jack Lafferrandre
- Department of Psychology Oklahoma State University Stillwater Stillwater Oklahoma
| | - John F. O'Hara
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Oklahoma State University Stillwater Oklahoma
| | - Hitesh D. Vora
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology Oklahoma State University Stillwater Oklahoma
| | - Charles I. Abramson
- Department of Integrative Biology Oklahoma State University Stillwater Stillwater Oklahoma
- Department of Psychology Oklahoma State University Stillwater Stillwater Oklahoma
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21
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Frątczak M, Vargová B, Tryjanowski P, Majláth I, Jerzak L, Kurimský J, Cimbala R, Jankowiak Ł, Conka Z, Majláthová V. Infected Ixodes ricinus ticks are attracted by electromagnetic radiation of 900 MHz. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101416. [PMID: 32209348 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The electromagnetic field (EMF) is known to influence functions of the nervous, cardiovascular and reproductive systems of many animals, including ticks. The aim of this study was to test the behavior of ticks in the presence of radio-frequency EMF. For testing, 160 adult male and 140 adult female unfed Ixodes ricinus ticks were used. Individuals were exposed to 900 MHz EMF in the Radiation-Shielded Tube (RST). Ticks were attracted to the irradiated area. This effect was significantly stronger for ticks infected with Rickettsia spp., suggesting that pathogens can alter the ticks' response to environmental stimuli. These results lead to the question of whether man-made EMF may have an impact on I. ricinus activity and, as such, be a contributing factor to the ongoing changes in the distribution of the tick and its pathogens currently observed in Europe and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Frątczak
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznań, Poland
| | - Blažena Vargová
- Centre of Applied Science, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznań, Poland
| | - Igor Majláth
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Srobarova 2, 041 80 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Leszek Jerzak
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Prof. Z. Szafrana St. 1, 65-516 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Juraj Kurimský
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Kosice, Masiarska 74, 041 20 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Roman Cimbala
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Kosice, Masiarska 74, 041 20 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Łukasz Jankowiak
- Department of Vertebrate Anatomy and Zoology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Zsolt Conka
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Kosice, Masiarska 74, 041 20 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Viktória Majláthová
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Srobarova 2, 041 80 Kosice, Slovakia.
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Deruelle F. The different sources of electromagnetic fields: Dangers are not limited to physical health. Electromagn Biol Med 2020; 39:166-175. [PMID: 32151189 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2020.1737811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The impact of electromagnetic waves on health has been clearly established by many studies in recent decades. No State, with the exception of Russia, takes any real precautions in terms of standards for the population. Conflicts of interest and political lies are used to hide the truth about the dangers of electromagnetic pollution.In addition, it would seem that other sources of radiation than the most well-known ones (mobile phones, digital enhanced cordless telecommunication (DECT) phones, bluetooth, base stations, Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G) come into play. A system such as HAARP (High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program), as well as directed wave beams (related to past and recent scandals) must be analyzed and considered in a comprehensive way to understand why the wave level is only increasing despite the considerable amount of scientific work demonstrating that the standards are not adequate to maintain public health.Thus, official documents show that the impact of electromagnetic waves is not only physical and biological. Indeed, the climate and the behavior of the population are also targeted.
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Vanbergen AJ, Potts SG, Vian A, Malkemper EP, Young J, Tscheulin T. Risk to pollinators from anthropogenic electro-magnetic radiation (EMR): Evidence and knowledge gaps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 695:133833. [PMID: 31419678 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide urbanisation and use of mobile and wireless technologies (5G, Internet of Things) is leading to the proliferation of anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and campaigning voices continue to call for the risk to human health and wildlife to be recognised. Pollinators provide many benefits to nature and humankind, but face multiple anthropogenic threats. Here, we assess whether artificial light at night (ALAN) and anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (AREMR), such as used in wireless technologies (4G, 5G) or emitted from power lines, represent an additional and growing threat to pollinators. A lack of high quality scientific studies means that knowledge of the risk to pollinators from anthropogenic EMR is either inconclusive, unresolved, or only partly established. A handful of studies provide evidence that ALAN can alter pollinator communities, pollination and fruit set. Laboratory experiments provide some, albeit variable, evidence that the honey bee Apis mellifera and other invertebrates can detect EMR, potentially using it for orientation or navigation, but they do not provide evidence that AREMR affects insect behaviour in ecosystems. Scientifically robust evidence of AREMR impacts on abundance or diversity of pollinators (or other invertebrates) are limited to a single study reporting positive and negative effects depending on the pollinator group and geographical location. Therefore, whether anthropogenic EMR (ALAN or AREMR) poses a significant threat to insect pollinators and the benefits they provide to ecosystems and humanity remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Vanbergen
- Agroécologie, AgroSup Dijon, INRA, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France; Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Edinburgh EH26 0QB, UK.
| | - Simon G Potts
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, Reading University, RG6 6AR, UK.
| | - Alain Vian
- IRHS, Université d'Angers, Agrocampus-Ouest, INRA, SFR 4207 QuaSaV, 49071 Beaucouzé, France.
| | - E Pascal Malkemper
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Campus-Vienna-BioCenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Juliette Young
- Agroécologie, AgroSup Dijon, INRA, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France; Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Edinburgh EH26 0QB, UK.
| | - Thomas Tscheulin
- Department of Geography, University of the Aegean, University Hill, GR-81100, Greece.
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Pereira MC, Guimarães IDC, Acosta-Avalos D, Antonialli Junior WF. Can altered magnetic field affect the foraging behaviour of ants? PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225507. [PMID: 31765398 PMCID: PMC6876837 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Social insects such as ants can use geomagnetic field information in orientation and navigation tasks. However, few studies have assessed the effect of magnetic fields on aspects such as orientation and decision making during foraging of ants. Therefore, the present study aims to test the hypothesis that foragers of different species of ants with different foraging strategies when under effect of applied magnetic field change the patterns of search for resources and recruitment of ants. We used two species with solitary foraging strategy, Ectatomma brunneum and Neoponera inversa, and another with mass recruitment, Pheidole sp. The experiments were performed in field and laboratory conditions. We used some parameters for comparison such as speed, distance and time during foraging in the field and laboratory experiments, under normal and applied magnetic field with the coils on and off. We also performed SQUID magnetometry analysis for all species. The results demonstrate that changes in normal values of magnetic field affect workers behaviour of the three species. Thus, we can conclude that ants under the effect of applied magnetic fields can suffer significant changes in their foraging activities decreasing the flow of workers, increasing the travelled distance from the nest to the resource and back to the nest, in addition to time and distance to fetch the resource and decision-making, in both types of species, those which have mass recruitment, or forage individually, and that the three species are magnetosensitive, being affected by changes of low intensity in the local magnetic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márlon César Pereira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Center of Studies on Natural Resources, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ingrid de Carvalho Guimarães
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Center of Studies on Natural Resources, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | | | - William Fernando Antonialli Junior
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Center of Studies on Natural Resources, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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Ohayon MM, Stolc V, Freund FT, Milesi C, Sullivan SS. The potential for impact of man-made super low and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on sleep. Sleep Med Rev 2019; 47:28-38. [PMID: 31252334 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
An ever-growing number of electromagnetic (EM) emission sources elicits health concerns, particularly stemming from the ubiquitous low to extremely low frequency fields from power lines and appliances, and the radiofrequency fields emitted from telecommunication devices. In this article we review the state of knowledge regarding possible impacts of electromagnetic fields on melatonin secretion and on sleep structure and the electroencephalogram of humans. Most of the studies on the effects of melatonin on humans have been conducted in the presence of EM fields, focusing on the effects of occupational or residential exposures. While some of the earlier studies indicated that EM fields may have a suppressive effect on melatonin, the results cannot be generalized because of the large variability in exposure conditions and other factors that may influence melatonin. For instance, exposure to radiofrequency EM fields on sleep architecture show little or no effect. However, a number of studies show that pulsating radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, such as those emitted from cellular phones, can alter brain physiology, increasing the electroencephalogram power in selective bands when administered immediately prior to or during sleep. Additional research is necessary that would include older populations and evaluate the interactions of EM fields in different frequency ranges to examine their effects on sleep in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice M Ohayon
- Stanford Sleep Epidemiology Research Center, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, USA.
| | - Victor Stolc
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
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Odemer R, Odemer F. Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMF) on honey bee queen development and mating success. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 661:553-562. [PMID: 30682608 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mobile phones can be found almost everywhere across the globe, upholding a direct point-to-point connection between the device and the broadcast tower. The emission of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) puts the surrounding environment inevitably into contact with this radiation. We have therefore exposed honey bee queen larvae to the radiation of a common mobile phone device (GSM band at 900 MHz) during all stages of their pre-adult development including pupation. After 14 days of exposure, hatching of adult queens was assessed and mating success after further 11 days, respectively. Moreover, full colonies were established of five of the untreated and four of the treated queens to contrast population dynamics. We found that mobile phone radiation had significantly reduced the hatching ratio but not the mating success. If treated queens had successfully mated, colony development was not adversely affected. We provide evidence that mobile phone radiation may alter pupal development, once succeeded this point, no further impairment has manifested in adulthood. Our results are discussed against the background of long-lasting consequences for colony performance and the possible implication on periodic colony losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Odemer
- University of Hohenheim, Apicultural State Institute, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Franziska Odemer
- University of Hohenheim, Apicultural State Institute, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany
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27
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Vargová B, Majláth I, Kurimský J, Cimbala R, Kosterec M, Tryjanowski P, Jankowiak Ł, Raši T, Majláthová V. Electromagnetic radiation and behavioural response of ticks: an experimental test. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 75:85-95. [PMID: 29605834 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0253-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Factors associated with the increased usage of electronic devices, wireless technologies and mobile phones nowadays are present in increasing amounts in our environment. All living organisms are constantly affected by electromagnetic radiation which causes serious environmental pollution. The distribution and density of ticks in natural habitats is influenced by a complex of abiotic and biotic factors. Exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) constitutes a potential cause altering the presence and distribution of ticks in the environment. Our main objective was to determine the affinity of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks towards RF-EMF exposure. Originally designed and constructed radiation-shielded tube (RST) test was used to test the affinity of ticks under controlled laboratory conditions. All test were performed in an electromagnetic compatibility laboratory in an anechoic chamber. Ticks were irradiated using a Double-Ridged Waveguide Horn Antenna to RF-EMF at 900 and 5000 MHz, 0 MHz was used as control. The RF-EMF exposure to 900 MHz induced a higher concentration of ticks on irradiated arm of RST as opposed to the RF-EMF at 5000 MHz, which caused an escape of ticks to the shielded arm. This study represents the first experimental evidence of RF-EMF preference in D. reticulatus. The projection of obtained results to the natural environment could help assess the risk of tick borne diseases and could be a tool of preventive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blažena Vargová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Igor Majláth
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Srobarova 2, 041 80, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Juraj Kurimský
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Kosice, Masiarska 74, 041 20, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Roman Cimbala
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Kosice, Masiarska 74, 041 20, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Kosterec
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Kosice, Masiarska 74, 041 20, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznan, Poland
| | - Łukasz Jankowiak
- Department of Vertebrate Anatomy and Zoology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-412, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Tomáš Raši
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Srobarova 2, 041 80, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Viktória Majláthová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, Kosice, Slovak Republic.
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Srobarova 2, 041 80, Kosice, Slovak Republic.
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28
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Thielens A, Bell D, Mortimore DB, Greco MK, Martens L, Joseph W. Exposure of Insects to Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields from 2 to 120 GHz. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3924. [PMID: 29500425 PMCID: PMC5834628 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22271-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects are continually exposed to Radio-Frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields at different frequencies. The range of frequencies used for wireless telecommunication systems will increase in the near future from below 6 GHz (2 G, 3 G, 4 G, and WiFi) to frequencies up to 120 GHz (5 G). This paper is the first to report the absorbed RF electromagnetic power in four different types of insects as a function of frequency from 2 GHz to 120 GHz. A set of insect models was obtained using novel Micro-CT (computer tomography) imaging. These models were used for the first time in finite-difference time-domain electromagnetic simulations. All insects showed a dependence of the absorbed power on the frequency. All insects showed a general increase in absorbed RF power at and above 6 GHz, in comparison to the absorbed RF power below 6 GHz. Our simulations showed that a shift of 10% of the incident power density to frequencies above 6 GHz would lead to an increase in absorbed power between 3–370%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Thielens
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University - imec, Ghent, B-9052, Belgium. .,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley Wireless Research Center, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA.
| | - Duncan Bell
- Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Health and Science, University of Suffolk, Ipswitch, IP30AQ, United Kingdom
| | - David B Mortimore
- Newbourne Solutions Ltd, Newbourne, Woodbridge, IP12 4NR, United Kingdom
| | - Mark K Greco
- Charles Sturt University, Medical Imaging, SDHS, Faculty of Science, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - Luc Martens
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University - imec, Ghent, B-9052, Belgium
| | - Wout Joseph
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University - imec, Ghent, B-9052, Belgium
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29
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Gonzalez-Rubio J, Arribas E, Ramirez-Vazquez R, Najera A. Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and some cancers of unknown etiology: An ecological study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 599-600:834-843. [PMID: 28499231 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Simultaneously with the increase of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) in recent decades, there has been increasing concern about their potential relation with the etiology of several tumors. At this time, the techniques of spatial data analysis jointly with the study of the personal exposure to these fields offer a new approach to the problem. This paper presents the results of a preliminary epidemiological study, combining Epidemiology, Statistics and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), in which we analyzed the correlation between exposure to RF-EMF in the city of Albacete (166,000 inhabitants, southeast Spain) and the incidence of several cancers with unspecific causes (lymphomas, and brain tumors). We used statistical tools to analyze the spatial point patterns and aggregate data with the aim to study the spatial randomness and to determine the zones with the highest incidence from 95 tumors studied (65 lymphomas, 12 gliomas and 18 meningiomas). We also perform a correlation (Spearman) study between the personal exposure to RF-EMF in 14 frequency bands, recorded by an EME Spy 140 (Satimo) exposimeter in the city's administrative regions, and the incidence of the tumors registered from January 2012 to May 2015. The studied cancer cases have a random spatial distribution inside the city. On the other hand, and by means of an ecological study, we verified that the exposure to RF-EMF registered in the city of Albacete shows little correlation with the incidence of the studied tumors (gliomas (ρ=0.15), meningiomas (ρ=0.19) and lymphomas (ρ=-0.03)). The proposed methodology inaugurates an unexplored analysis path in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Gonzalez-Rubio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain.
| | - Enrique Arribas
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain.
| | | | - Alberto Najera
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain.
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30
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Devault DA, Péné-Annette A. Analysis of the environmental issues concerning the deployment of an OTEC power plant in Martinique. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:25582-25601. [PMID: 28523612 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8749-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a form of power generation, which exploits the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep seawater. Suitable conditions for OTEC occur in deep warm seas, especially the Caribbean, the Red Sea and parts of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The continuous power provided by this renewable power source makes a useful contribution to a renewable energy mix because of the intermittence of the other major renewable power sources, i.e. solar or wind power. Industrial-scale OTEC power plants have simply not been built. However, recent innovations and greater political awareness of power transition to renewable energy sources have strengthened the support for such power plants and, after preliminary studies in the Reunion Island (Indian Ocean), the Martinique Island (West Indies) has been selected for the development of the first full-size OTEC power plant in the world, to be a showcase for testing and demonstration. An OTEC plant, even if the energy produced is cheap, calls for high initial capital investment. However, this technology is of interest mainly in tropical areas where funding is limited. The cost of innovations to create an operational OTEC plant has to be amortized, and this technology remains expensive. This paper will discuss the heuristic, technical and socio-economic limits and consequences of deploying an OTEC plant in Martinique to highlight respectively the impact of the OTEC plant on the environment the impact of the environment on the OTEC plant. After defining OTEC, we will describe the different constraints relating to the setting up of the first operational-scale plant worldwide. This includes the investigations performed (reporting declassified data), the political context and the local acceptance of the project. We will then provide an overview of the processes involved in the OTEC plant and discuss the feasibility of future OTEC installations. We will also list the extensive marine investigations required prior to installation and the dangers of setting up OTEC plants in inappropriate locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien A Devault
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Agroparistech, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris Cedex 05, 75231, Paris, France.
- Laboratoire Matériaux et Molécules en Milieu Agressif, UA-UMR ECOFOG, DSI, Campus Universitaire de Schœlcher, 97275, Schœlcher, Martinique, France.
| | - Anne Péné-Annette
- Laboratoire EA 929 AIHP-Geode-Biospheres Campus Universitaire de Schœlcher, 97275, Schœlcher, Martinique, France
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31
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La Sorte FA, Fink D, Buler JJ, Farnsworth A, Cabrera-Cruz SA. Seasonal associations with urban light pollution for nocturnally migrating bird populations. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2017; 23:4609-4619. [PMID: 28695706 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The spatial extent and intensity of artificial light at night (ALAN) has increased worldwide through the growth of urban environments. There is evidence that nocturnally migrating birds are attracted to ALAN, and there is evidence that nocturnally migrating bird populations are more likely to occur in urban areas during migration, especially in the autumn. Here, we test if urban sources of ALAN are responsible, at least in part, for these observed urban associations. We use weekly estimates of diurnal occurrence and relative abundance for 40 nocturnally migrating bird species that breed in forested environments in North America to assess how associations with distance to urban areas and ALAN are defined across the annual cycle. Migratory bird populations presented stronger than expected associations with shorter distances to urban areas during migration, and stronger than expected association with higher levels of ALAN outside and especially within urban areas during migration. These patterns were more pronounced during autumn migration, especially within urban areas. Outside of the two migration periods, migratory bird populations presented stronger than expected associations with longer distances to urban areas, especially during the nonbreeding season, and weaker than expected associations with the highest levels of ALAN outside and especially within urban areas. These findings suggest that ALAN is associated with higher levels of diurnal abundance along the boundaries and within the interior of urban areas during migration, especially in the autumn when juveniles are undertaking their first migration journey. These findings support the conclusion that urban sources of ALAN can broadly effect migratory behavior, emphasizing the need to better understand the implications of ALAN for migratory bird populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank A La Sorte
- Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Fink
- Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Buler
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Andrew Farnsworth
- Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sergio A Cabrera-Cruz
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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Poh AH, Moghavvemi M, Shafiei MM, Leong CS, Lau YL, Mahamd Adikan FR, Bakhtiari M, Abdulla Hassan MA. Effects of low-powered RF sweep between 0.01-20 GHz on female Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes: A collective behaviour analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178766. [PMID: 28582398 PMCID: PMC5459433 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There are many products claiming to be an electronic solution towards repelling mosquitoes. Several reviews were published in debunking these claims. However, there is a lack of a systematic study on effects of electromagnetic (EM) or more specifically, radio frequency (RF) waves against mosquitoes due to the conclusions made in those years. Therefore, we attempt to establish a fundamental study on female Aedes Aegypti (Linnaeus) mosquitoes by quantifying the collective behavior of the mosquitoes against a continuous stream of low-powered RF signals via a broadband horn antenna using image processing methods. By examining the average lateral and vertical positions of the mosquitoes versus frequency and time, the data shows negligible consistency in the reactions of the mosquitoes toward the different frequencies ranging from 10 to 20,000.00 MHz, with a step of 10 MHz. This was done by examining 33 hours of spatiotemporal data, which was divided into three sessions. All three sessions showed totally different convolutions in the positions in arbitrary units based on the raster scan of the image processing output. Several frequencies apparently showed up to 0.2–70% shift in both lateral and vertical components along the spectrum, without repeatability for all three sessions. This study contributes to the following: A pilot study for establishing the collective effects of RF against mosquitoes, open-source use, and finally a low-cost and easily adaptable platform for the study of EM effects against any insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Halim Poh
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre of Research in Applied Electronics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mahmoud Moghavvemi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre of Research in Applied Electronics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail:
| | - M. M. Shafiei
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre of Research in Applied Electronics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - C. S. Leong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Majid Bakhtiari
- Faculty of Computing, University Technology Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia
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Waldmann-Selsam C, Balmori-de la Puente A, Breunig H, Balmori A. Radiofrequency radiation injures trees around mobile phone base stations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 572:554-569. [PMID: 27552133 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In the last two decades, the deployment of phone masts around the world has taken place and, for many years, there has been a discussion in the scientific community about the possible environmental impact from mobile phone base stations. Trees have several advantages over animals as experimental subjects and the aim of this study was to verify whether there is a connection between unusual (generally unilateral) tree damage and radiofrequency exposure. To achieve this, a detailed long-term (2006-2015) field monitoring study was performed in the cities of Bamberg and Hallstadt (Germany). During monitoring, observations and photographic recordings of unusual or unexplainable tree damage were taken, alongside the measurement of electromagnetic radiation. In 2015 measurements of RF-EMF (Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields) were carried out. A polygon spanning both cities was chosen as the study site, where 144 measurements of the radiofrequency of electromagnetic fields were taken at a height of 1.5m in streets and parks at different locations. By interpolation of the 144 measurement points, we were able to compile an electromagnetic map of the power flux density in Bamberg and Hallstadt. We selected 60 damaged trees, in addition to 30 randomly selected trees and 30 trees in low radiation areas (n=120) in this polygon. The measurements of all trees revealed significant differences between the damaged side facing a phone mast and the opposite side, as well as differences between the exposed side of damaged trees and all other groups of trees in both sides. Thus, we found that side differences in measured values of power flux density corresponded to side differences in damage. The 30 selected trees in low radiation areas (no visual contact to any phone mast and power flux density under 50μW/m2) showed no damage. Statistical analysis demonstrated that electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone masts is harmful for trees. These results are consistent with the fact that damage afflicted on trees by mobile phone towers usually start on one side, extending to the whole tree over time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alfonso Balmori
- Consejería de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Castilla y León, C/Rigoberto Cortejoso, 14 47071 Valladolid, Spain.
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Balmori A. Radiotelemetry and wildlife: Highlighting a gap in the knowledge on radiofrequency radiation effects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 543:662-669. [PMID: 26615484 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Radio transmitters and associated devices may induce negative effects that can bias the results of ongoing research. The main documented effects of radio transmitters on animals include reduced survival, decreased productivity, changes in behaviour and movement patterns and a biased sex ratio. The only factors that have claimed responsibility for these possible damages are the weight of the radio transmitter and associated devices, and the attachment type. The electromagnetic radiation produced by radio transmitters has not been considered so far in research. There have been no studies evaluating the effects of non-ionising electromagnetic radiation (radiofrequency signals) necessary for tracking, although the problems found were significantly associated with the length of time that animals had been carrying their radio transmitters. Similar problems as those in radiotracked animals have been found in numerous studies with animals exposed to radiofrequency radiation for a sufficient amount of time. Laboratory scientists investigating the orientation of animals know they have to shield the place where experiments are performed to prevent interference from man-made radiation, as anthropogenic signals may distort the results. It is paradoxical that, at the same time, field scientists investigating the movements and other aspects of animal biology are providing animals with radio transmitters that emit the same type of radiation, since this may affect the results concerning their orientation and movement. This paper identifies gaps in the knowledge that should be investigated in-depth. The possibility that the radiofrequency radiation from radiotracking devices is responsible for the findings should be considered. Considering this factor may allow researchers to best understand the long-term effects found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Balmori
- Consejería de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Castilla y León, C/Rigoberto Cortejoso, 14, 47071 Valladolid, Spain.
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