Electromagnetic pollution from phone masts. Effects on wildlife - Review
Pathophysiology. 2009 Aug;16(2-3):191-9. Epub 2009 Mar 4.
Direccion General del Medio Natural, Consejería de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Castilla y Leon, C/Rigoberto Cortejoso, 14, 47014 Valladolid, Spain.
A review on the impact of radiofrequency radiation from wireless telecommunications on wildlife is presented. Electromagnetic radiation is a form of environmental pollution which may hurt wildlife. Phone masts located in their living areas are irradiating continuously some species that could suffer long-term effects, like reduction of their natural defenses, deterioration of their health, problems in reproduction and reduction of their useful territory through habitat deterioration. Electromagnetic radiation can exert an aversive behavioral response in rats, bats and birds such as sparrows. Therefore microwave and radiofrequency pollution constitutes a potential cause for the decline of animal populations and deterioration of health of plants living near phone masts. To measure these effects urgent specific studies are necessary.
This literature review shows that pulsed telephony microwave radiation can produce effects especially on nervous, cardiovascular, immune and reproductive systems:
- Damage to the nervous system by altering electroencephalogram, changes in neural response or changes of the blood–brain barrier.
- Disruption of circadian rhythms (sleep–wake) by interfering with the pineal gland and hormonal imbalances.
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
- Impairment of health and immunity towards pathogens, weakness, exhaustion, deterioration of plumage and growth problems.
- Problems in building the nest or impaired fertility, number of eggs, embryonic development, hatching percentage and survival of chickens.
- Genetic and developmental problems: problems of locomotion, partial albinism and melanism or promotion of tumors.
In the light of current knowledge there is enough evidence of serious effects from this technology to wildlife. For this reason precautionary measures should be developed, alongside environmental impact assessments prior to installation, and a ban on installation of phone masts in protected natural areas and in places where endangered species are present. Surveys should take place to objectively assess the severity of effects.