ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION: CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES - ENVIRONMENT - 2025

The electromagnetic pollution is environmental movement of waves produced by the combination of electric fields and magnetic oscillating. Some authors have called electromagnetic pollution electrosmog.

This electromagnetic radiation is polluting insofar as it comes from unnatural sources. It should be clear that the electromagnetic fields generated by the Earth, the Sun and electrical storms are not considered electromagnetic pollution.

Electromagnetic lines in Canada. Source: Emmanuel Huybrechts from Laval, Canada

Electromagnetic pollution is considered to have originated with the beginning of the age of electricity in the late 19th century. Electromagnetic waves travel from the source in all directions and their energy decreases with distance. These waves are reflected or absorbed by objects according to the angle of incidence and characteristics of said objects.

The main cause of electromagnetic pollution is electromagnetic wave emissions from electronic devices. Among the sources of electromagnetic pollution are household appliances, microwaves, television, radio, mobile telephony, electronic surveillance systems and radars.

Although so far the evidence is not conclusive, various investigations suggest that electromagnetic pollution affects human health. Harmful effects on the nervous, immune, endocrine systems, sleep disturbances, heart rate, and blood pressure have been reported.

Likewise, it has been suggested that electromagnetic pollution can be the cause of certain types of cancer, especially childhood leukemia. Other research warns about the harmful effect of electromagnetic pollution on fauna and flora.

Its negative effect on the reproductive capacity of various species of birds and mammals has been determined. It can also cause behavioral alterations, generating irritability and anxiety.

There are proven cases of negative effects of electromagnetic pollution, especially in animal species. For example, in the white stork the proximity of the nests to mobile phone antennas reduces reproductive capacity.

On the other hand, electromagnetic pollution evaluations have been carried out in urban environments. Thus, in an area of ​​the city of Cúcuta (Colombia) the occurrence of this type of contamination was verified in a recreational park.

Due to the characteristics of electromagnetic radiation, solutions to the pollution it generates are not easy to implement. Therefore, it is necessary to mitigate the effects of electromagnetic pollution by reducing the use of this energy to what is essential.

At home it is important not to leave electronic devices on unnecessarily to protect children, the elderly and the sick. Likewise, telecommunications antennas, high-voltage networks, radars or similar equipment should be avoided near educational and health centers.

Since there is sufficient evidence of the negative effect of electromagnetic pollution on wildlife, it must be protected. For this, the installation of sources of electromagnetic radiation in wildlife protection areas should be prohibited.

characteristics

- Electromagnetic radiation

They are waves propagating through space and driven by the reciprocal oscillating action of an electric field and a magnetic field. These fields are arranged in phase of 90º with respect to each other and propagate at the speed of light.

The electromagnetic spectrum

Electromagnetic spectrum. Source: The original uploader was Luis María Benítez at Spanish Wikipedia.

There is an electromagnetic spectrum defined by wavelength and frequency. This goes from the minimum length (gamma rays) to the maximum (radio waves), passing through visible light.

Wavelength

This refers to the distance that separates two maximum peaks of electric field. It is graphically represented as the distance between the crests of two contiguous waves.

Frequency

Frequency is the number of maximum peaks of electric field per unit of time. The waves of low length have a high frequency and therefore carry more energy.

Ionizing and non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation

The electromagnetic spectrum can be divided into ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing electromagnetic radiation is defined by its ability to break chemical bonds due to its high energy, forming ions. At the same time, non-ionizing radiation, being of weak energy, is not capable of breaking the bonds.

Electromagnetic pollution refers to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation.

- Anthropogenic electromagnetic fields

In today's society, electromagnetic fields are everywhere like the electrical system as well as radio and television stations and devices.

Later, from the 90s (20th century), there was a leap with the introduction of wireless communications. With the expansion of mobile telephony, these electromagnetic fields have invaded all areas of life.

Being a non-natural element present in the environment, these structures become a factor of environmental pollution.

- Propagation of electromagnetic waves

Electromagnetic waves propagate in all directions uniformly from the emission source. In addition, they lose energy in proportion to the square of the distance from the emission source when traveling.

When electromagnetic waves collide with an object obliquely, they are reflected (refraction) by changing speed and direction. Another related phenomenon is the absorption that occurs when there is a friction between the wave and an object, as mechanical energy is transformed into heat.

- Indicators of electromagnetic pollution

To establish the level of electromagnetic pollution in an area, the intensity of the generated electric field (mV / m) is taken into account. Likewise, the intensity of the magnetic field (mA / m), the power density (μW / m2) and the exposure time (T) must be considered.

The specific absorption rate

Worldwide there is the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP, for its acronym in English). The ICNIRP uses the specific absorption rate as an index to establish the received dose of non-ionizing radiation.

The specific absorption rate establishes the ratio of energy absorbed in time per unit of exposed body mass. The specific absorption rate is measured in watts per kilogram.

Causes

Electromagnetic pollution is produced by any source that generates electromagnetic waves. So electrical, electronic surveillance and telecommunications systems cause electromagnetic pollution.

Short wave antennas in Austria. Source: Peter Knorr

Therefore, household appliances, including microwaves, televisions and radios, are sources of electromagnetic pollution. As are mobile phones, associated transmission systems (mobile phone bases and antennas), wireless or Wi-Fi systems, and computer systems.

- Effect of fonts

Due to the characteristics of electromagnetic waves, the effect of pollution will vary according to certain criteria. Among these is the distance between the source and the affected objects (humans, animals, plants).

The topography of the area and existing buildings or objects, among other elements, also affect.

Consequences

It should be noted that there is not yet totally conclusive evidence regarding the possible effects of electromagnetic pollution. However, scientific research results continue to accumulate warning of possible negative effects.

- High energy electromagnetic radiation

The dangers associated with high-energy electromagnetic radiation are quite obvious. An organism exposed to gamma rays, X-rays or ultraviolet radiation runs serious risks depending on the dose and time of exposure.

Fundamentally the effect of electromagnetic radiation that until now is possible to associate with damage to living beings is heat. The specific damage generated by heat is burns.

- Low energy electromagnetic radiation

The current doubts in the scientific community are related to low intensity electromagnetic radiation. In this sense, it has not been possible to clearly establish whether long-term exposure to microwaves and radio frequencies can affect health.

- Pioneering studies

At the Ramón y Cajal Hospital (Spain) the effect of electromagnetic radiation (low intensity) on chicken embryos was studied. The investigation began in 1982 with the team made up of Jocelyne Leal, Alejandro Úbeda and Ángeles Trillo.

The results indicate possible mutagenic effects of weak electromagnetic radiation.

- Human health

The World Health Organization (2013) classified radio frequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Two epidemiological studies (USA and Sweden) indicate a higher incidence of leukemia in workers in the electrical, electronic and telecommunications industries.

Possible effects

Although there is no conclusive evidence, electromagnetic pollution could affect human health in:

- The nervous system, by generating changes in the neuronal response.

- Disruption of circadian rhythms (sleep-wake), due to hormonal imbalances.

- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

- Weakening of the immune system.

- Some types of cancer (for example, childhood leukemia).

- Wild life

There is scientific research that shows the possibility that electromagnetic pollution negatively affects certain animal species. It also seems that this type of contamination has some negative impact on plants.

The evidence is at least sufficient to conclude the advisability of regulating electromagnetic pollution in natural areas.

Effect on the white stork (

In the case of the white stork, studies carried out showed the effects of electromagnetic pollution on their reproduction and behavior. Nests closer to the source produced fewer viable eggs and chicks

Effects on the sparrow (

Studies have been conducted of the effect on the European sparrow of long-term exposure to electromagnetic pollution. In Belgium, Spain and England a correlation was established between the intensity of the electromagnetic field and the population density.

Effect on rats, mice and rabbits

The rats were subjected to 1.3 Ghz microwave radiation, there being an area protected from this radiation. The results showed that the rats showed aversion to radiation pulses of less than 0.4mW / cm2 power density.

In experiments with mice exposed to microwave radiation, panic reactions, disorientation and a greater degree of anxiety were evidenced. Anxiety and alarm were manifested in rabbits when subjected to pulses of microwave radiation (1.5 Ghz).

Effects on bats (

The activity of the bats was significantly reduced in areas subjected to an electromagnetic field greater than 2 V / m. In a wild colony, the number of individuals decreased when several antennas were placed 80 m from the colony.

Effects on frogs and newts

Some researchers have suggested that the deformations that have been detected in amphibians may be due to electromagnetic pollution.

Trials have been conducted by subjecting amphibians to electromagnetic fields at different stages of development. When embryos were subjected to short periods of electromagnetic radiation, abnormalities were generated.

Effects on plants

There is evidence of alterations in development in plants subjected to electromagnetic pollution. In populations of pine (Pinus sylvestris), individuals close to a radar station in Latvia reached a lower development.

This decrease in growth was associated with the entry into activity of the station. Likewise, a lower chlorophyll production and a lower seed germination rate were verified.

In the false acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), less chlorophyll production was also observed in seedlings exposed to electromagnetic fields. The decrease was directly proportional to the time of exposure to radiation.

Examples of electromagnetic pollution

The storks of Valladolid (Spain)

In Valladolid (Spain), a population of white stork located around a cell phone base was evaluated. The area was divided into two radii: the first 200 meters and beyond 300 meters from the emission source.

White Stork (Ciconia ciconia). Source: Manuel Portero

The number of eggs and chicks per nest was taken into account, as well as the viability of the chicks. Evaluations of the behavior of the pair during nesting were also carried out.

The results obtained showed that the effective reproduction was directly proportional to the distance from the source. The nests within a radius of 200 m or less from the transmitting antennas had very low productivity and 12 nests never had chicks.

In these areas, even the chick mortality rate was higher without determining the cause. On the other hand, altered behaviors were also observed in the pairs closest to the antennas.

For their part, the nests located beyond 300 m reached double productivity and the behavior of the adults did not show alterations.

Los Pinos Sports and Recreation Park (Cúcuta, Colombia)

In Cúcuta, an electromagnetic pollution study was carried out in an urban area that includes a sports and recreational park. In this area there are several mobile phone base stations.

Pollution levels were found to depend on the distance from the radiation source. Likewise, the importance of the distribution of buildings in the area was evidenced.

The buildings work as screens that reflect electromagnetic waves, so in areas with tall buildings, their concentration was lower.

The highest levels of electromagnetic pollution were located in areas located 60 m from the telephone base station. This corresponds to the Los Pinos sports and recreation park, which presented a power density value of 5.27 μW / m2.

Solutions

- A diffuse problem

The solution to the problem of electromagnetic pollution is not easy because the magnitude of the problem and its real limits are not yet clear. Additionally, this is a pollutant to which it is not easy to put physical limits or controls.

On the other hand, in today's society it is not possible to eradicate the use of technologies that generate electromagnetic pollution.

- Further studies

More scientific research is required to clarify the characteristics of the problem and possible mitigation measures.

- Human health

Although the evidence is weak, the principle of prevention should be applied where necessary and possible. Especially in the case of children and vulnerable people, it is necessary to start from the existing reasonable doubt and establish regulations.

Electromagnetic pollution in children's and health education centers

In these types of establishments, the use of certain sources of electromagnetic pollution must be restricted. Therefore, possible restrictive measures should be taken without affecting the essential elements of operation.

Children and the sick should be protected from prolonged exposure to electromagnetic pollution.

Protective barriers

Different materials have been proposed for the installation of protective panels against electromagnetic pollution. The modern construction industry offers antielectrosmog insulation alternatives.

Polymers represent a good alternative due to their relative low cost and ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation. For example, multifunctional polyetherimide / graphene panels @ Fe3O do not reflect radiation but rather absorb it.

Basic measurements

A series of elementary measures can be taken into account that contribute to reducing electromagnetic pollution in our environment. Between them:

Unplug any electrical appliance that is not being used.

Guarantee the grounding of all electrical connections to avoid the generation of an environmental electric field.

Try to avoid keeping electronics turned on in bedrooms, break rooms, and game rooms.

- Wild life

Regarding wildlife, it is necessary to regulate the installation and operation of electromagnetic equipment in natural areas. This is because there is relevant evidence about tangible effects on animals and plants.

Mobile phone base stations, radar and power lines should not be installed in wildlife areas.

References

1. 1. Ahlbom A and Feychting M (2003). Electromagnetic radiation. British Medical Bulletin 68: 157–165.
2. Balmori A 2009). Electromagnetic pollution from phone masts. Effects on wildlife. Pathophysiology 16: 191-199.
3. Barrera-Monalve OG and Mosquera-Téllez J (2018). Environmental pollution by non-ionizing electromagnetic waves caused by wireless technologies in outdoor environments. Mutis 8: 57-72.
4. Dhami AK (2011). Study of electromagnetic radiation pollution in an Indian city. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 184: 6507–6512.
5. Djuric N, Prsa M, Bajovic V and Kasas-Lazetic K (2011). Serbian remote monitoring system for electromagnetic environmental pollution. 2011 10th International Conference on Telecommunication in Modern Satellite Cable and Broadcasting Services (TELSIKS).
6. Shen B, Zhai W, Tao M. Ling J and Zheng W (2013). Lightweight, Multifunctional Polyetherimide / Composite Foams for Shielding of Electromagnetic Pollution. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 5: 11383–11391.