Mobile phone is a necessity in these technological times, but do we stop for a while and ask about their environmental impact? Mobile phones emit a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, like a low-powered microwave oven. Mobile devices increasingly flood our residential zones and the environment with electromagnetic fields. European Environment Agency (EEA), the top scientific environment authority in Europe, has warned of the possibility of looming environmental disasters following the increasing density of electromagnetic radiation.
Mobile phone devices was originally developed for the Department of Defense, it was never tested for safety when it entered the marketplace. Today there are more than two billion mobile phone users being exposed every day to the dangers of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The public is little aware of these risk because they are not informed.
Mobile technology created electromagnetic radiation on earth is threatening ecological balance. Mobile phone radiations could be having varying negative impact on wildlife, particularly birds and bees. Animals that depend on electromagnetic fields for their orientation and navigation are confused by the stronger and constantly changing artificial fields created by this technology. The most affected of all is the most important insect species: the honeybee.
The bees happen to be the most indispensable insect needed for pollination and fructification of vegetable and agricultural crops. When the bees are in danger, our food supply will also be in danger. Mobile phone radiation contributes to colony collapse disorder in bees. Radiation interferes with bee’s navigation system, they become stressed and disoriented preventing them to find their way to the hive.
But not only are the bees and other insects disappearing – birds as well. An investigation in Spain showed that the number of sparrows was reduced when the electromagnetic field exceeded certain values. And even storks that built their nest near base stations could not rear any chicks. It is quite evident that electrical fields are damaging the reproduction of the stork.
The effects of mobile phone radiation not only stop on human, insects and animals but it extend to the trees as well. A study conducted by Wageningen University found that trees in areas with high Wi-fi activity were suffering from symptoms that couldn’t be tied to typical bacterial or viral causes. The symptoms included bleeding fissures in the bark, the death of parts of leaves, and abnormal growth. The researchers took 20 ash trees and exposed them to various kinds of radiation for three months. The trees exposed to Wi-Fi signals showed telltale signs of radiation sickness, including a “lead-like shine” on their leaves, caused by the dying of the upper and lower epidermis of the leaves. The researchers are planning several more studies to figure out the precise effects of radiation on plant life. If these continue there will be forest decline and desertification.
Natural electrical and magnetic fields are important for the orientation and navigation of a whole range of animals. Today this natural information and functional system of humans, animals and plants has been superimposed by electromagnetic field generated by mobile communication technologies. The consequences of this development should not be ignored; the long-term effects of mobile phone radiation on the environment must be addressed immediately.