Radio-frequency exposure of the yellow fever mosquito (A. aegypti) from 2 to 240 GHz

Abstract

Radio-frequency exposure of the yellow fever mosquito (A. aegypti) from 2 to 240 GHz De Borre E, Joseph W, Aminzadeh R, Müller P, Boone MN, Josipovic I, et al. (2021) Radio-frequency exposure of the yellow fever mosquito (A. aegypti) from 2 to 240 GHz. PLoS Comput Biol 17(10): e1009460. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009460. Abstract Fifth generation networks (5G) will be associated with a partial shift to higher carrier frequencies, including wavelengths of insects. This may lead to higher absorption of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) by insects and could cause dielectric heating. The yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), a vector for diseases such as yellow and dengue fever, favors warm climates. Being exposed to higher frequency RF EMFs causing possible dielectric heating, could have an influence on behavior, physiology and morphology, and could be a possible factor for introduction of the species in regions where the yellow fever mosquito normally does not appear. In this study, the influence of far field RF exposure on A. aegypti was examined between 2 and 240 GHz. Using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations, the distribution of the electric field in and around the insect and the absorbed RF power were found for six different mosquito models (three male, three female). The 3D models were created from micro-CT scans of real mosquitoes. The dielectric properties used in the simulation were measured from a mixture of homogenized A. aegypti. For a given incident RF power, the absorption increases with increasing frequency between 2 and 90 GHz with a maximum between 90 and 240 GHz. The absorption was maximal in the region where the wavelength matches the size of the mosquito. For a same incident field strength, the power absorption by the mosquito is 16 times higher at 60 GHz than at 6 GHz. The higher absorption of RF power by future technologies can result in dielectric heating and potentially influence the biology of this mosquito. Author summary Radio Frequency (RF) exposure of the A. aegypti mosquito can lead to absorption and dielectric heating. We used Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations between 2 and 240 GHz to study the RF power absorbed by the insect and the distribution of the electric field (EF) in and around it. For this, three male and three female mosquito 3D models were constructed from micro-CT scans. We used high resolution models and dielectric properties, both retrieved from real insects, to gain realistic outputs. For increasing frequency up to 90 GHz, the absorbed power increases for all models. At 90–120 GHz, the wavelength is comparable to the body size, and the increase in absorbed powers reaches a maximum. Therefore, moving to higher frequencies in 5G, implies higher absorbed power and possibly higher dielectric heating of the insect. Excerpt The insect of interest in this paper is the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, it is known as a vector for diseases such as yellow fever, dengue fever and zika virus infections [14, 15]. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S., yellow fever cases and deaths worldwide are estimated at 200,000 and 30,000 each year [16], respectively. The yellow fever mosquito is a tropical species favouring a hot and humid environment. Temperature affects the life cycle and feeding behaviour of the mosquito and the reproduction of the viruses [14, 15]. RF power absorption and dielectric heating can cause disturbance in for example the behaviour or development of the mosquito. Another interesting consequence of dielectric heating and higher body temperature, may be the spread of the mosquito to areas that are normally unfavorable for them. Be that as it may, the focus in this paper is on the RF power absorption, the dielectric heating or other consequences are not considered. Open access paper: journals.plos.org

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Using FDTD simulations from 2 to 240 GHz, absorbed RF power increased with increasing frequency between 2 and 90 GHz and reached a maximum between 90 and 240 GHz, with maximal absorption when the wavelength matches the mosquito size. For the same incident field strength, simulated power absorption was reported as 16 times higher at 60 GHz than at 6 GHz.

Outcomes measured

• Electric field distribution in and around the insect (simulation)
• Absorbed RF power / power absorption vs frequency (2–240 GHz)
• Frequency dependence of absorption; resonance with body size (wavelength comparable to mosquito size)

Limitations

• Simulation study (FDTD) rather than biological/behavioral experiments
• Focus is on RF power absorption; dielectric heating and other biological consequences are stated as not considered
• Results based on six mosquito models (three male, three female)

Suggested hubs

• 5g-policy (0.6)
  Discusses higher carrier frequencies associated with 5G and evaluates absorption up to 240 GHz (including mmWave).

{
    "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "far field RF exposure (simulated; 5G-relevant frequencies mentioned)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti); six 3D models (three male, three female) based on micro-CT scans",
    "sample_size": 6,
    "outcomes": [
        "Electric field distribution in and around the insect (simulation)",
        "Absorbed RF power / power absorption vs frequency (2–240 GHz)",
        "Frequency dependence of absorption; resonance with body size (wavelength comparable to mosquito size)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Using FDTD simulations from 2 to 240 GHz, absorbed RF power increased with increasing frequency between 2 and 90 GHz and reached a maximum between 90 and 240 GHz, with maximal absorption when the wavelength matches the mosquito size. For the same incident field strength, simulated power absorption was reported as 16 times higher at 60 GHz than at 6 GHz.",
    "effect_direction": "unclear",
    "limitations": [
        "Simulation study (FDTD) rather than biological/behavioral experiments",
        "Focus is on RF power absorption; dielectric heating and other biological consequences are stated as not considered",
        "Results based on six mosquito models (three male, three female)"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "Aedes aegypti",
        "mosquito",
        "radio-frequency",
        "RF",
        "EMF",
        "5G",
        "millimeter wave",
        "2–240 GHz",
        "FDTD",
        "finite difference time domain",
        "micro-CT",
        "dielectric properties",
        "power absorption",
        "electric field distribution",
        "dielectric heating"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "5g-policy",
            "weight": 0.59999999999999997779553950749686919152736663818359375,
            "reason": "Discusses higher carrier frequencies associated with 5G and evaluates absorption up to 240 GHz (including mmWave)."
        }
    ]
}

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