Physicians for Safe Technology

Wireless Technology and Public Health

Environment and Wildlife Effects

Update  7/30/23

Note: This Scientific Literature Page is organized into a group of brief topic summaries followed by detailed lists of scientific references in chronological order. Please scroll  down for references for radiofrequency radiation effects on specific species.  

 

Scientific Literature sections are below the summary and ordered as follows:

  • New Review Articles
  • Headlines
  • Newest Articles All Species 
  • Review Articles Wildlife
  • Books
  • Amphibians
  • Bacteria and Fungi
  • Bats
  • Bees and Insects 
  • Birds 
  • Cell Towers
  • Fish and Marine animals
  • Letters: Government  Letters and Papers
  • Immune System Effects
  • LED Light Effects on Animals and Insects
  • Magneto-reception
  • Mammals
  • Non-Thermal Effects
  • Plants and Seeds
  • Radiotracking of animals
  • Reproduction
  • Reptiles
  • Trees

See Also

 

New Review Articles on Wildlife and EMF

(2022) Levitt, Lai and Manville (2022) Low-level EMF effects on wildlife and plants: What research tells us about an ecosystem approach. Well written summary  of the environmental effects of  wireless and cell tower RFR.  Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. Frontiers in Public Health, 25 November 2022. Sec. Radiation and Health . http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1000840/full?&utm_source=Email_to_authors_&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=T1_11.5e1_author&utm_campaign=Email_publication&field=&journalName=Frontiers_in_Public_Health&id=1000840

(2021) Levitt, Lai and Manville (2021) 3 Part Article on EMF Effects on the Environment. Very well referenced  complete series of articles that discuss environmental, wildlife and ecosystem effects of RFR from wireless base stations on land and in space. A virtual Encylopedia of information. 

(2022) Evidence for a health risk by RF on humans living around mobile phone base stations: from radiofrequency sickness to cancer. Alfonso Balmori. Environmental Research. 2022 Nov;214(Pt 2):113851.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35843283/

(2015) Anthropogenic Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields as an Emerging Threat to Wildlife Orientation. Alfonso Balmori. Science of The Total Environment. 518-519:58-60 · July  2015.  Well written by a well known researcher.   https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273121908_Anthropogenic_Radiofrequency_Electromagnetic_Fields_as_an_Emerging_Threat_to_Wildlife_Orientation

(2013) Impacts of radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) from cell phone towers and wireless devices on biosystem and ecosystem—A review. Biology and Medicine. 4(4):202-216 · January 2013. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258521207_Impacts_of_radio-frequency_electromagnetic_field_RF-EMF_from_cell_phone_towers_and_wireless_devices_on_biosystem_and_ecosystem-A_review

 (2012) A review of the ecological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Environment International. Cucurachi et al. 51C:116-140 · December 2012.  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233974663_A_review_of_the_ecological_effects_of_radiofrequency_electromagnetic_fields_RF-EMF

(2010) Report on Possible Impacts of Communication Towers on Wildlife Including Birds and Bees. Ministry of Environment and Forest. India. (2010) article  http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/content/341385/report-on-possible-impacts-of-communication-towers-on-wildlife-including-birds-and-bees/    Here is PDF of the Ministry of Environment and Forest India EMR Report on Possible Impacts of Communication Towers on Wildlife Including Birds and Bees. 2010 

(2010) Biological effects from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell tower base stations and other antenna arrays. (2010) Page 374- Biological Effects at Low intensity)   Blake Levitt, Henry Lai. Environmental Reviews, 2010, 18(NA): 369-395. http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/full/10.1139/A10-018#.WYUlOHeZNo4

Electromagnetic Pollution From Phone Masts. Effects on Wildlife. Alfonso Balmori. Pathophysiology. Volume 16, Issues 2-3,  August 2009 , Pages 191-199 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0928468009000030    or full article on ResearchGate at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24180316_Electromagnetic_pollution_from_phone_masts_Effects_on_wildlife

(2008) MOBILE TELEPHONY RADIATION EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGANISMS. Dimitris J. Panagopoulos and Lukas H. Margaritas.Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Greece. July 2008.  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/251669858_Mobile_telephony_radiation_effects_on_living_organisms

Headlines

Overview Summary

Animal Life and the Earth’s Magnetic Field

A diverse array of animal life relies upon the earth’s magnetic field for navigation, breeding, feeding, migration and survival. Biologists have discovered that wireless electromagnetic radiation disturbs internal magneto-receptors used for navigation, as well as disrupting other complex cellular and biologic processes in mammals, birds, fish, insects, trees, plants, seeds and bacteria with profound impacts on the natural environment. Different species have different interactions with radiofrequency radiation (RFR) and differ in their toxic effect. These effects may not be immediately apparent with a slow decline in the health of wildlife seen over time with cumulative exposure.

Increased Radiofrequency Radiation and The Decline of Birds, Bees and Wildlife

Biologists have noted that wildlife are susceptible to harm from manmade ambient electromagnetic fields. Researchers are now attributing RFR from cellular telecommunications to be a contributing cause of bee “colony collapse disorder”, insect disappearance, the decline in house sparrows in London, as well as the steady deterioration of the worlds bird population with now than 40% of bird species under critical threat. Scientists note a serious lack of radiation monitoring and protocols to study the impacts and call for precaution in the placement of cell towers and further expansion of wireless broadband. In the United States, Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 does not allow consideration of environmental effects in the placement of cell towers. Telecommunications Act of 1996

The European Commissions Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Emerging Risks (SCHEER)

In 2018 SCHEER issued their emerging risks report . They listed 5G electromagnetic radiation as an emerging risk due to it’s effects on wildlife. They pointed to a recent article “5G wireless telecommunications expansion: Public health and environmental implications. (2018) by Russell CL in Environmental Research.  Other important research includes Dr. Martin Pall’s articles 5G: Great Risk for EU  and Wi-Fi is an important threat to human health.

Wildlife Are More Vulnerable to Wireless Radiation

Adverse responses from radiofrequency radiation that have been identified include abnormal behavior, developmental abnormalities, diminished reproduction and increased mortality. Birds, bees, turtles, dolphins, salamanders, salmon, amphibians and other animals use the earth’s weak magnetic field and their own internal magneto-receptors to navigate.  Birds have feathers that can act as antenna and amplify the negative effects of RF radiation Bigu-del-Blanco (1975). Insects, the base of the food chain, appear particularly susceptible to radiofrequency radiation, especially 5G millimeter wavelengths which are the size of the insect and create a damaging resonance effect.

Mammals, like humans, have similar reproductive organs, immune systems and nervous systems, thus are susceptible to molecular and cellular harm from artificial wireless radiofrequency wavelengths. Katie Singer, in her extensively referenced book Electronic Silent Spring, highlights that the earths living systems evolved their own internal and external signaling systems in the presence of the earth’s low electromagnetic environment and thus are vulnerable to the much higher levels of artificial pulsed electromagnetic radiation experienced today.

Cell Towers Emit Wireless Radiation Over Dozens of Miles of Terrain

Stationary cell and radio towers create a circle of high power wireless radiation (1500 feet) around them, with a much larger radius (dozens of miles) of lower power radiation, which scientists have found can contribute to environmental disturbances.  In cities the density is much higher with more towers and co-location of multiple antennas on a single tower to accommodate multiple telecommunication carriers.  Firstenberg (2017) in his fascinating and well-researched book, The Invisible Rainbow: A History of Electricity and Life, describes both observations and biological experiments performed, mostly in Europe, where radio broadcast towers caused not only human symptoms but also affected widespread forest health with loss of birds, thinner growth rings on trees, poor seed germination and loss of duckweed, among other effects. When these towers were removed, not only did local residents symptoms disappear, the forest recovered.  The Skrunda Radio Location Case.

Trees are Harmed by Radiofrequency Radiation

In Colorado, Aspen trees have been on the decline and experiments have pointed to radiation from cell towers causing poor growth and smaller leaves- Haggerty 2010  A 4-year experiment by Waldmann-Selsam et al (2016) clearly demonstrated, with accurate RF emission testing, cell tower radiation causing the death of nearby trees over time. He notes, “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.”   These are truly alarming findings and serve as a dire warning on further wireless expansion, especially with regards to agricultural rural zones or wildlife areas with sensitive species. Research also raises the question of wildfires sparked by dead or dying trees near cell towers.

Plants, Bacteria snd Fungi Affected by Microwave Radiation

Numerous studies on plants, bacteria and fungi have shown adverse or enhanced growth patterns with exposure to varying levels of microwave radiation. We do not consider the influence of RF on infections in animals, humans or plants. and how this alters patterns of human and plant infectious diseases.  Among the research, a recent project of the California Science and Engineering  Science Fair by Joshi and Omer  compared the effects of UVR versus radio frequency radiation (RFR) on lima beans, basil seeds and yeast. They found that RFR reduced growth of lima beans, increased the growth of yeast and had no effect on Basil. On the other hand UV light increased the growth of lima beans and basil but did not affect yeast.

Halgamuge (2017) reviewed the available science on non-thermal, weak, radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and their influence on living plants. After examining 45 peer reviewed publications with 169 experiments on 29 species of plants he found significant physiological and/or morphological effects.  He concluded that “maize, roselle, pea, fenugreek, duckweeds, tomato, onions and mungbean plants seem to be very sensitive to RF-EMFs.”  In addition he noted, “plants seem to be more responsive to certain frequencies, especially the frequencies between (i) 800 and 1500 MHz (p < 0.0001), (ii) 1500 and 2400 MHz (p < 0.0001) and (iii) 3500 and 8000 MHz (p = 0.0161).”

Bird Migration Disrupted More by Weak Magnetic Fields

Biologists have noted that birds magnetic compass orientation appears more susceptible to weak broadband electromagnetic fields. Schwarze et al (2016), note in their paper that weak magnetic fields can have much more powerful influence on bird migration than strong fields.  They state, “Our results indicated that the magnetic compass orientation of European robins could not be disrupted by any of the relatively strong narrow-band electromagnetic fields employed here, but that the weak broadband field very efficiently disrupted their orientation”   Pakhomov (2017) and  Wiltschko (2015) both confirmed this effect.

Homing Pigeons Magneto-Receptors Disoriented by Wireless Communications

It is well established that magnetite, a form of iron ore, is found in a wide variety of organisms who use this magneto-receptor to sense the earth’s low energy magnetic field as a directional reference. (Cadiou and McNaughton). Magnetite acts as an internal compass of sorts.  Migrating birds, fish, insects and animals connect these magneto-receptors with the earth’s natural geomagnetic forces, to successfully guide them in long and short distance journeys, necessary for feeding and breeding. Modern communications systems with a proliferation of cell towers and smart meters in cities and rural areas, create a fluctuating blanket of continuous pulsating artificial radiofrequency wave mixtures that can alter local magnetic fields and thus impair migration and orientation of birds in addition to effects on pollinators. In 1998, soon after cell towers were installed in Pennsylvania, pigeon races ended in disaster as up to 90% of birds were disoriented and lost their navigational skills. When Homing Pigeons Don’t Go Home Again NY Times. Dec 6, 1998.

Bird Navigation Disabled in Cities

Independently replicated studies have confirmed the radio frequency (RFR) effects on orientation of birds.  Engles et al (2014) exposed migratory European robins to background electromagnetic noise present in unscreened wooden huts at the University of Oldenburg city campus in Germany and found they could not orient using their magnetic compass. If grounded their orientation reappeared but disappeared again if broadband radiofrequencies were generated inside the huts. He did not believe the effects at first and performed the same double-blinded study many times in 7 years and with different graduate students to confirm the effect before publishing his findings.

Dr. Engles concluded, “The disruptive effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields is not confined to a narrow frequency band and birds tested far from sources of electromagnetic noise required no screening to orient with their magnetic compass.” Research has also demonstrated abnormalities in reproduction and behavior of birds nesting near cell towers in addition to harm to amphibians. This raises the question of the health and sustainability of cites with a dense assortment of telecommunications towers.

Bee Colony Collapse Disorder

Bees are a critical pollinator species. Of the 100 crops that provide 90% of the world’s food supply, 71 are pollinated by bees, according to the UN Environmental Program.   Researchers agree that we are in the midst of a pollinator crisis. The White House in 2014 was so concerned it established a Federal Strategy  with a Pollinator Task Force to promote bee health. As bee numbers have plummeted around the world, scientists have been investigating causes. They have found several contributing factors affecting the health and reproduction of bees, including pesticides, global climate change, loss of habitat and air pollution with new research pointing towards microwave radiation as an important and yet unrecognized cause for concern. Bees contain magnetite granules in their abdomen which offer them the ability to navigate with the earths natural low power non-pulsating magnetic field.

Bee Behavior Disruption by Cell Phone Radiation 

Bees operate in about a 5 kilometer radius and typically find their way without difficulty.  Sharma et al (2010) looked at bee behavior placing a cell phone near a hive. They found worker bees returned less and less frequently to the beehive after the installation of a mobile phone. There was a significant decline in colony strength and the rate of queen egg laying.

Kumar et al (2011) looked at physiologic changes in bees exposed to cell phone radiation and found it creates a stress response, increased agitation and increase in carbohydrate metabolism.

Favre et al (2017) clearly demonstrated that bee behavior is disrupted by exposure to cell phone GSM radiofrequency radiation and caused worker bees to emit a piping signal to swarm. Bees have also demonstrated aggression after 30 minutes of cell phone exposure. Dr. Favre notes, “Mobile phone companies and policy makers point to studies with contradictory results.” However, his study distinctly demonstrated adverse effects. He invites others to reproduce his research.

Colony Collapse Disorder started After the Use of Pesticides

Cammaerts (2017), biologist and author of 54 peer reviewed publications on insects, observes that the sharp decline of bees did not start with the use of insecticides but much later and removal of pesticides has not been accompanied by the expected rise in bee populations.  While she does not discount a role for insecticides causing bee decline, she advises beekeepers to consider that radiofrequency radiation could also have an impact and protect their hives by locating these in a low EMF environment or placing them in a Faraday cage or enclosure.

LED Lights Can Affect Nighttime Pollinators

We usually think of pollination occurring during the day, however, research published in Nature in 2017 revealed that nocturnal pollinators are critical as well. They found a significant reduction in reproduction and fruit production in fields lit during the night with LED lights. The daytime pollinators could not compensate for this loss of evening pollination.  LEDs are used extensively now in computers, smart phones and for both indoor and outdoor lighting. There are human health consequences now being demonstrated. LED lights on streetlamps can cause disruption of circadian rhythms in humans. The AMA adopted an  official policy in 2016 recommending removing LEDs from streetlamp.  Animals are also affected. 

Insects: The Base of Our Food Chain Are In Decline

 Bees are not the only insects necessary for sustainability and all are suffering decline. Purdue University among others points out that insects are critical in living ecosystems. They are wild and domestic pollinators, provide a source of food for amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, are primary decomposers for fungi, dead plants and animals and also eat other pest insects thus playing a beneficial role in the balance of nature. A Yale report in 2016 highlighted a dramatic drop in insect populations in many parts of the world. Insect traps set up in Germany are showing a startling 4 to 5 fold reduction. Biologists attribute this to monoculture farming, pesticides and habitat loss, however the scientific literature points to radiofrequency radiation as another significant contributing cause. Yale report on insect decline. 

Biodiversity and Abundance of Wild Pollinators

Lazaro (2016) emphasizes pollination as a key ecosystem service that needs protection. His group measured insect biodiversity on wild pollinator communities including wild bees, hoverflies, bee flies, beetles, butterflies, and wasps on 2 Greek islands at variable distances from telecommunication antennas. He found that all pollinator groups, except butterflies, were affected with a decrease in abundance and composition of insects closer to antennas. He did note an opposite effect on however, that underground-nesting wild bees and bee flies unexpectedly increased with EMR. He stated that this effect on wild insects could have “additional ecological and economic impacts on the maintenance of wild plant diversity, crop production and human welfare.”

Ants Can Be Used as a Bio-indicator for Radiofrequency 

Belgian entomologist Marie-Claire Cammaerts (2017) has done a number of studies on cell phone radiation and found that insects, particularly ants, are extremely sensitive to radiofrequency radiation (RFR). In fact, some methods of insect control use RFR.  She performed dozens of experiments on countless numbers of ants with the following observations

  • Ants lost their olfactory and visual memory after GSM cell phone exposure and with a second exposure causing cumulative damage. (Cammaerts 2012)
  • 3 Minutes of exposure of ants to cell phone radiation caused “locomotion ataxia”, decreased linear speed, and increased angular speed. The ants needed two to four hours for recovery. When the phone was in standby mode under the ants nest, the ants relocated their nests far away from the cell phone with their eggs, larvae and nymphs. They returned after removal of the cell phone. Cammaerts (2013) 
  • Ants under the influence could not follow a pheromone trail or forage for food effectively, return to their nest and after 180 hours there was deterioration of the colony. Cammaerts (2013) notes RFR “effects social insects’ behavior and physiology.”

5G Deployment More Harmful for Insects: The Resonance Effect  

The increase the number and density of cell towers in cities and rural areas coincides with insect and bird decline. Older generation technology emits RF frequencies between 100 MHz and 6 GHz with wavelengths in inches to feet.  A new 5th generation (5G) of wireless communications is being proposed, adding to the mix millimeter waves (fractions of an inch long) between 6 GHz to over 100 GHz.  These high frequency wavelengths pulse at billions of cycles per second (1GHz=1 billion cycles per second).  Radiofrequency wavelengths, especially those that are modulated (or pulsed) are known to cause much more disruption to organisms, or structures within the organism, if the frequency wavelength is the same size as the organism, organ structure, cell or cell structure. This phenomenon is called resonance. It leads to heightened vibration and thus injury.  Insects are smaller in size and close to the width of 5G frequencies.  Thielens (2018)  studied this effect on 4 different insects exposed to electromagnetic fields from 2 to 120 GHz.  He found “The insects show a maximum in absorbed radio frequency power at wavelengths that are comparable to their body size…..This could lead to changes in insect behaviour, physiology, and morphology over time due to an increase in body temperatures, from dielectric heating.”   Insects are thus especially susceptible to 5G microwave frequencies. There has been no premarket testing of this 5G technology however a body of research demonstrates harm to insects. Policies to expand deployment of this technology unfortunately do not consider these biological or environmental effects.

Insect Armageddon

5G Licensed to Kill: The Insect Inspector Discusses the Insect Apocalypse

As scientists are working to explain the insect apocalypse , this video highlights one common environmental toxin that is known to kill insects, that is 5G as well as 3G and 4G radiation. He points out that “the 30-year radiation from millions of cellular phone masts is the single factor present in every region of insect decline.” Science backs this observation up. Wireless radiation may not be the only factor in this “insect Armageddon” but it may be the critical one. Pesticides can be avoided and habitat can be restored, however,  once cell phone masts are placed they are rarely removed and the continuous waves of radiation just intensify to cover broader areas of land with more and more towers. The disappearance of birds and bees points  to wireless technology as the yet unrecognized factor hastening this decline. 5G will be like 3G and 4G on steroids as these smaller millimeter wavelengths are the size of insects and the resonance effect of these continuous waves will set up additive vibrations that destroy the insect and essentially cook it.  Microwave radiation is known to kill insects and is already being used for insect control in stored grains and other foods. Studies in food and agriculture literature confirm this effect.  (Yadav 2014)  (Das 2013)  (Geveke 2009)  (Ponomaryova 2009)  (Zhejiang 2004)  (Geveke 2003)  (Mishenko 2000)

 

Mammals: Reproductive Effects

Magras and Xenos (1997) performed an in-vivo study looking at prolonged exposure to low intensity radio frequency radiation and reproduction. They used 12 pairs of mice, placing them in various areas in an antenna park in a small mountaintop village in Greece near TV and FM broadcast transmitters. The animals lived in this area for 6 months with levels below well below CENELEC and IEEE standards.  6 pairs of animals were used as a control and placed in an environment free from RF radiation, about 10 KM from the town of Chortiatis, where the antennas were located.  He notes, “Mice from the BALB/c/f breeding colony obtained from the ‘‘Theageneion Anticancer Institute of Thessaloniki’’ have been used for years in our laboratory for reproduction. Repeated pregnancies with a recovery period of 1 – 4 weeks for over a year, had never affected the fertility of the dams or any morphological parameters of the offspring, a fact that to our knowledge has not been questioned in the available literature.”  Their study showed a progressive reduction in litter size in the exposed female animals to the point of irreversible sterility by the 5th generation. The males exhibited rough hair and emaciation at the end of the study.

Panagopoulos (2007) exposed flies to 2 different digital cell phone frequencies for a few minutes a day for the first 6 days of life and found widespread cell death. He states, “Induced cell death is recorded for the first time, in all types of cells constituting an egg chamber (follicle cells, nurse cells and the oocyte) and in all stages of the early and mid-oogenesis….The exposure conditions were similar to those to which a mobile phone user is exposed…”

The NIEHS National Toxicology Program on Cell Phones and Cancer released their results in 2018 looking at non-thermal effects of cell phone non-ionizing radiation. They showed consistent perinatal effects, including lower pup body weights and lower pup survival. The NTP study, at https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/about_ntp/trpanel/2018/march/tr595peerdraft.pdf   , also noted clear evidence of heart tumors, a statistically significant increase in brain tumors and adrenal gland tumors, as well as DNA damage and cardiomyopathy similar to aging.  An abundance of in vitro studies in animals shows that non-ionizing radiation can damage reproduction by creating a stress response in cells producing damaging reactive oxygen species. See also Physicians for Safe Technology Reproductive Health Effects Scientific Literature.

Mammals: Swiss Calves Born with Cataracts

Several studies indicate that low power non-ionizing microwave radiation contributes to and can cause cataracts. Heat is a well-established mechanism for induction of cataracts as the lens does not have vessels that can dissipate heat. Non-thermal effects however have also been demonstrated in some research, which show adverse effects on lens transparency, alteration of epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis, and a stress response in lens epithelial cells. Damage to lens epithelial cells is associated with cataracts. Hassig et al (2009) investigated in Swiss calves the prevalence of nuclear cataract near mobile phone base stations. They found (32 %) of the calves had various degrees of nuclear cataract.  The number of antennas within 100 to 199 meters was associated with oxidative stress and there was an association between oxidative stress and the distance to the nearest mobile phone base station. In a later study, Hassig et al (2012) looked at the incidence of cataracts in newborn calves before and after a mobile phone cell tower was placed and found a 3.5 times higher rate of significant cataract after the mobile phone station was installed.

Tagging Wildlife Reduces Reproduction and Survival

Tagging animals for tracking is an important tool to help researchers understand their behavior, habitat selection and migration patterns. Some studies have indicated no harm from these tracking devices, however, other studies show lowered survival rates and reproductive rates. There may be a direct interference in the behavior of the animal due to discomfort as well as direct harm from the continuous pulsing radiofrequency which is located on the body, as a growing body of science demonstrates.  Balmori (2016) warns, “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.” There is also concern with regards to successful reproduction and animal behavior with close proximity to RF radiation.

Government Agencies Highlight Cell Tower Risks to Wildlife

The US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Interior (DOI) has had concerns for many years about the adverse impacts of cell towers and electromagnetic radiation on migratory birds and other wildlife. It is conservatively estimated that 4 to 5 million birds die each year in cell tower and guy-wire collisions. (Government- Manville 2005, 2009).  The DOI noted that there were 241 species of birds whose populations merit special protection. Balmori has documented wildlife effects after cell towers were constructed including nest and site abandonment, plumage deterioration, locomotion problems, and death in House Sparrows, White Storks, Rock Doves, Magpies, Collared Doves, and other species. Scroll down to Government Letters and Papers Cell Towers to see tother Department of Interior letters regarding cell towers and wildlife.

UNESCO World Heritage Wildlife Area Species Disappearing

As noted, an abundance of peer reviewed literature demonstrates adverse impacts to the environment with declines in insect, bird and wildlife populations in cities and where cell towers are placed. This spells disaster for biodiversity, fragile wildlife areas, critical pollinators and agriculture, especially with additive effects of pesticides, toxins and loss of habitat. A report on Unesco’s Mt. Nardia World Heritage Park documents this slow decline in populations of species after cell towers were placed.  The Unesco Report on Disappearance of Species from Mt. Nardia Park World Heritage Area 2000-2015 with Increased Expansion of Telecommunications Antenna was written by Ethno-Botonist Mark Broomhall. UNESCO Report on Disappearance of Species from Mt. Nardia with Increased EMR 2000-2015 

Robotic Bees: “Smart” or Dumb Pollination?

Are we creating dead zones in cities where urban or rural farmers will not be able to grow food or have a vegetable garden?  The tech industry may advise us to use the very technology that is harming ecosystems by using bee drones to pollinate our crops. Walmart has already filed a patent for a pollinating robotic bee. What about ownership of drones, privacy, security and adverse effects on sensitive native bees and flowers with the use of these drones?  Many questions, no answers but predictable untoward results.

Prevention Smarter Than Cure

Will the situation worsen? Solving the real problems causing the decline of species seems smarter than always trying to develop a new and potentially more toxic industry to fix it. Patients are often given prescriptions to treat the numerous chronic diseases of our modern culture. These medications can cause side effects that may be far worse than the disease. Physicians now understand it is often more sensible and effective to help patients change their diet, add exercise and avoid toxic exposures to promote health and prevent disease. Wireless radiation is another toxic exposure with measurable biological effects. Should we not approach wireless technology with the same preventative precautions as we do pesticides, industrial chemicals and ionizing radiation?

What are Safe Levels of RF Radiation?

Sage, Carpenter, Blank and other scientists note in the Bioinitiative Report that non-thermal bioeffects are clearly established. There is an urgent need for government agencies to adopt a realistic biologically based exposure standard to replace the thermal (SAR) standard, which is far too permissive and not protective of human or environmental health.

The Bioinitiative Report reviewed studies looking at the lowest levels of non-thermal, non-ionizing radiofrequency that did not cause harmful biological effects.  Their conclusions, based on peer reviewed research, indicated that there should be a “ scientific benchmark of 0.003 uW/cm2 or three nanowatts per centimeter squared for ‘lowest observed effect level’ for RFR is based on mobile phone base station-level studies.” They also suggest “Applying a ten-fold reduction to compensate for the lack of long-term exposure (to provide a safety buffer for chronic exposure, if needed) or for children as a sensitive subpopulation…”.  This translates into a recommended precautionary action exposure level of 0.0003 uW/cm2.  Our current U.S. guidelines are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and they follow that of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE),and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP). Their guidelines are from 200 uW/cm2 to 1000 uW/cm2 (2 W/m2 to 10 W/m2 ) for RF radiation depending on frequency.

Blake Levitt, an award-winning medical and science journalist and former New York Times contributor is author of Cell Towers-Wireless Convenience? or Environmental Hazard? (2011), from “Cell Towers Forum: State of the Science/State of the law”  environmental  conference December 2, 2000. Her book was updated in 2011 and has valuable information on  FCC safety guidelines, legal aspects of the Telecommunications Act, cell tower sitings and case law.  An article she and esteemed researcher Henry Lai have written provides a meticulous review on environmental effects of cell towers as well as basic information on terminology and exposure limits.

Human Survival Linked to Biodiversity and Healthy Ecosystems

Human survival depends on biodiversity with complex interrelated ecosystems from bacteria to bees to birds to trees to earthworms for a healthy functioning environment. Maintaining clean air, clean water and sustainable soils with naturally evolved organisms is vital. The environment is our “Natural Capital”. It appears now under threat from the proliferation of radiofrequency towers along with habitat loss and exposure to other environmental toxins such as pesticides and industrial chemicals. It is critical to consider the adverse effects of the proposed expansion of wireless telecommunications towers and lower atmospheric balloons in cities and rural areas before they are deployed. Like sonic threats  sonic threats for marine mammals the hazards are not seen, heard or felt by humans with harm to animals slow to be realized.

Safer Alternatives

Consideration should be given to relocating antennas away from sensitive wildlife habitats, agricultural zones/farms, residential, school and hospital zones where people live and work. Converting wireless broadband to  fiberoptic cabled systems is safer and more sustainable in both cities and rural areas.

See also PST Broadband Expansion

Reviews on Wildlife

New Review on Cell Towers an Biodiversity by Levitt, Lai and Manville 2022 and 2021

(2022) Levitt, Lai and Manville (2022) Low-level EMF effects on wildlife and plants: What research tells us about an ecosystem approach. Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. Frontiers in Public Health, 25 November 2022
Sec. Radiation and Health . A very readable, clear, well referenced and shorter summary of the effects of EMF on both humans and the environment that stresses the animal kingdom uses EMR in a different way and at lower levels for survival of the species. They are thus even more vulnerable than humans. The authors highlight a critical point in setting national and international standards for safe levels of chronic RFR, “No radiofrequency (RFR) emission guidelines today take non-human species into consideration, despite constant measured rising background levels in urban, suburban, and rural areas”

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.”  http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1000840/full?&utm_source=Email_to_authors_&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=T1_11.5e1_author&utm_campaign=Email_publication&field=&journalName=Frontiers_in_Public_Health&id=1000840

Levitt, Lai and Manville (2021) provides the most recent robust updated and  thorough overview of RFR and effects on all wildlife with a plethora of references including the reviews below. This review was published in 3 Parts. The authors warn, “But is there a larger environmental downside to rising ambient EMF exposures — particularly RFR — from popular mo- bile communication devices, WiFi antennas, and all accompanying infrastructure that is being overlooked by  environmentalists, researchers, and government regulators alike. We may be missing critical physiological effects across species based on obsolete assumptions about low-level far-field exposures being too weak to adversely affect living tissue. We have yet to take into consideration the unique physiologies of other species, or how they use the environment in ways that humans do not, when we assume that the unfettered use of EMF/RFR can continue unabated and be allowed to grow indefinitely.”   See also 

Part 1 Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, part 1. Rising ambient EMF levels in the environment. (2021) Levitt BB et al. Rev Environ Health. 2021 May 27.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34047144/

Part 2, Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 2 impacts: how species interact with natural and man-made EMF .” Rev Environ Health, 2021 July 8. Levitt, Lai, Manville

Part 3 Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 3. Exposure standards, public policy, laws, and future directions. (2021) Levitt, Lai, Manville. Rev Environ Health. 2021 Sep

Other Important Review Articles

Balmori (2015)  notes in his latest review “Current evidence indicates that exposure at levels that are found in the environment (in urban areas and near base stations) may particularly alter the receptor organs to orient in the magnetic field of the earth. These results could have important implications for migratory birds and insects, especially in urban areas, but could also apply to birds and insects in natural and protected areas where there are powerful base station emitters of radio frequencies. Anthropogenic Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields as an Emerging Threat to Wildlife Orientation. Alfonso Balmori. Science of The Total Environment. 518-519:58-60 · July 2015. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273121908_Anthropogenic_Radiofrequency_Electromagnetic_Fields_as_an_Emerging_Threat_to_Wildlife_Orientation

 

The Cucurachi Review (2012) of 113 peer-reviewed publications revealed, “In about two thirds of the reviewed studies ecological effects of RF-EMF was reported at high as well as at low dosages. The very low dosages are compatible with real field situations, and could be found under environmental conditions.” A review of the ecological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Environment International. Cucurachi et al. 51C:116-140 · December 2012. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233974663_A_review_of_the_ecological_effects_of_radiofrequency_electromagnetic_fields_RF-EMF

Panagopoulos  (2013) explains in his review of experimental data, how living organisms are in harmony with terrestrial and magnetic fields, which effect their cellular processes and even circadian rhythms.  Interference of this delicate interaction with human wireless technology can adversely affect the health and well-being of ecosystems. MOBILE TELEPHONY RADIATION EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGANISMS. Dimitris J. Panagopoulos and Lukas H. Margaritas.Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Greece. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/251669858_Mobile_telephony_radiation_effects_on_living_organisms

The Saravanamuttu Review (2013) found that harm to the environment is demonstrated but there are no long term studies to support safety of this technology. Sivani and Sudarsanam state, “Based on current available literature, it is justified to conclude that RF-EMF radiation exposure can change neurotransmitter functions, blood-brain barrier, morphology, electrophysiology, cellular metabolism, calcium efflux, and gene and protein expression in certain types of cells even at lower intensities.” They note that these studies are important to identify the frequencies, intensities and durations that are safer, enabling the use of wireless technology while ensuring the health and sustainability of the environment. Impacts of radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) from cell phone towers and wireless devices on biosystem and ecosystem—A review. Biology and Medicine. 4(4):202-216 · January 2013. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258521207_Impacts_of_radio-frequency_electromagnetic_field_RF-EMF_from_cell_phone_towers_and_wireless_devices_on_biosystem_and_ecosystem-A_review

A 2010 review paper from the Ministry of Environment and Forests in India reviewed all available peer reviewed research on the impacts of wireless radiofrequency (RF) on living organisms, including birds and bees, plants, animals and humans.  Of 919 articles collected 593 showed adverse impacts. In each category of organism, over 60% of the research indicated harm to that biological species. The report looked at 5 mandates * Review literature * Assess impacts of increasing cell towers * Suggest mitigation of effects * Formulate regulatory guidelines for installation of cell towers * Identify research gaps.  Report on Possible Impacts of Communication Towers on Wildlife Including Birds and Bees. Ministry of Environment and Forest. India. (2010) http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/content/341385/report-on-possible-impacts-of-communication-towers-on-wildlife-including-birds-and-bees/    Here is PDF of the Ministry of Environment and Forest India EMR Impacts of Communication Towers on Wildlife Including Birds and Bees. 2010 

Blake Levitt and Henry Lai (2010)  provide an articulate and thorough review of cell towers and the radiation they emit. This is a classic paper that clearly explains and defines terms used in the literature, providing a foundation of knowledge as well as a review of the literature.   Biological effects from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell tower base stations and other antenna arrays. (2010) Page 374- Biological Effects at Low intensity)   Blake Levitt, Henry Lai. Environmental Reviews, 2010, 18(NA): 369-395. http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/full/10.1139/A10-018#.WYUlOHeZNo4

Balmori Review on the Effects of Cell Towers on Wildlife (2009) first notes, “Life has evolved under the influence of two omnipresent forces: gravity and electromagnetism. It should be expected that both play important roles in the functional activities of organisms.”  He provides a detailed review of how long term emissions from cell towers (phone masts) causes a general decline in the health of plants and animals in nearby habitats. This could be through a reduction of natural health defenses and reproductive failure. He cites many references in this paper which is a well written critical resource for those in public health, the environmental community as well as legislative members who wish to understand this issue.  Electromagnetic Pollution From Phone Masts. Effects on Wildlife. Alfonso Balmori. Pathophysiology. Volume 16, Issues 2-3,  August 2009 , Pages 191-199 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0928468009000030    or full article on ResearchGate at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24180316_Electromagnetic_pollution_from_phone_masts_Effects_on_wildlife

Newest Articles All Species

 

Review and General Articles Wildlife

Books

  • The Invisible Rainbow: A History of Electricity and Life. Arthur Firstenberg . AGB Press. (2017).
  • Electronic Silent Spring. Katie Singer. Portal Books. (2013)
  • Cell Towers-Wireless Convenience? or Environmental Hazard?  Blake Levitt. iUniverse Publisher. (2011)
  • Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields Mechanisms, Modeling, Biological Effects, Therapeutic Effects, International Standards, Exposure Criteria. Peter Stavroulakis (Ed.) (2003) Springer Publisher. https://www.springer.com/us/book/9783540429890
  • Cell Towers-Wireless Convenience? or Environmental Hazard? (2000) 
    Edited by Blake Levitt,Cell Towers- Wirless convenience or Environmental Hazard Screen Shot 2018-04-28 at 12.59.41 PM 
  • The Body Electric: Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life. (1985) Robert O Becker . Harper Paperbacks.

Amphibians

Bacteria and Fungi

  • Evaluation of Wi-Fi Radiation Effects on Antibiotic Susceptibility, Metabolic Activity and Biofilm Formation by Escherichia Coli 0157H7,Staphylococcus Aureus and Staphylococcus Epidermis. (2019)  Said-Salman IH et al. J Biomed Phys Eng. 2019,Oct; 9(5): 579–586. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6820025/
  • Effect of Mobile Tower Radiation on Microbial Diversity in Soil and Antibiotic Resistance. (2018) Sharma AB et al. IEEE Explore. 2018 international Conference on Power and Energy, Environment and Intelligent Control.April 13-14, 2018. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8665432
  • Electromagnetic Radiation Disturbed the Photosynthesis of Microcystis aeruginosa at the Proteomics Level. (2018) Tang c et al. Scientific Reports. 11 January 2018, volume 8, Article number: 479 (2018). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-18953-z
  • The symbiotic magnetic-sensing hypothesis: do Magnetotactic Bacteria underlie the magnetic sensing capability of animals? (2017) Natan E and Vortman Y.  Mov Ecol. 2017 Oct 23;5:22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29085642/
  • Evaluation of the Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted From Wi-Fi Router and Mobile Phone Simulator on the Antibacterial Susceptibility of Pathogenic Bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. (2017) Taheri M et al. Dose Response. 2017 Jan 23;15(1):1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28203122
  • Klebsiella pneumonia, a Microorganism that Proves the Non-linear Responses to Antibiotics and Window Theory after Exposure to Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz Electromagnetic Radiofrequency Radiation. (2015). Tahiti M et al.   J Biomed Phys Eng. 2015 Sep 1;5(3):115-20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26396967https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26396967
  • Inactivation of Lactobacillus plantarum in apple cider, using radio frequency electric fields. (2009) Geveke DJ et al. J Food Prot. 2009 Mar;72(3):656-61. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19343959
  • Inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with radio frequency electric fields. (2003) Geveke DJ and Brunkhorst C. J Food Prot. 2003 Sep;66(9):1712-5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14503732
  • Resonance effect of millimeter waves in the power range from 10(-19) to 3 x 10(-3) W/cm2 on Escherichia coli cells at different concentrations (1996) Belyaev IY et al. Bioelectromagnetics. 1996;17(4):312-21.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8891190
  • Transgenic nematodes as biomonitors of microwave-induced stress. (1998) Daniells C  et al. Mutation Research, 399(1), 55-64, 1998.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9635489

Bats

Bees and Insects

Bees and Insect – Related Articles

Birds

Birds Related Articles

Cell Towers

Fish, Whales, Marine Animals

Government Letters and Papers Cell Towers

Immune System Effects

LED Light Affects on Animals and Insects

Magnetoreception

Mammals

(See also PST Scientific Literature Lists on MDSafeTech.org)

 

Non-Thermal, Low Power effects

(See Also PST extensive Scientific Literature lists)

Plants and Seeds

 

RadioTracking of Animals

Reproduction

Reptiles

Resonance Effect

Trees

General Information on Soil Food Web

Observational Non-published Reports on Pets

Videos – Observational – of Unusual Behavior or Death of Wildlife: Non-Scientific from Community 

Dancing Aphid Video

This is a short clip from the DVD “Exploring the Spectrum” by Dr. John Nash Ott. Note the “ExploringTheSpectrum.com” weblink is dead. You can get the full video from here: http://www.naturalenergyworks.net 

Birds Fall From Sky in Multiple Locations – cause unknown 

This observational video shows very unusual behavior and death of birds in several areas, including  NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina; Houston, Texas where birds dropped to the ground.   Birds Fall From Sky. 5G Technology?

100 Geese Fall From Sky in Idaho Falls After Lightening Storm

Linda Larson recounts watching 100 geese falling from the sky. It is presumed from lightening storm. April 11, 2018. There is evidence that birds sense storms and avoid them however there have been reports of dozens of geese dying in lightening storms. More than 100 dead geese plunge from the sky in Idaho in ‘bizarre’ incident

Bees Die Between 2 Cell Tower Poles 

In Sierra Madre a bystander videos bee death between 2 cell towers that have multiple antenna. A viewer commented that they should be brought to a local university or government Bee Testing Lab to determine cause of death or if this is normal.

Just For Fun!

Fox Steals iPhone During Yoga Session.April 14, 2020.

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