Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Insects (Review paper in German)

Abstract

Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Insects (Review paper in German) Alain Thill. Biologische Wirkungen elektromagnetischer Felder auf Insekten. umwelt - medizin - gesellschaft. Sonderbeilage in Ausgabe 3-2020 / ISSN 1437-2606 / 33. Jahrgang. Summary (Google translation from English) All over the world, insects are declining at an alarming rate. It is known that here, among other causes, in particular the use of pesticides and modern agricultural practice play a major role. The cumulative effects of multiple low dose toxins and the spread of toxins in nature are not yet methodically researched or only just beginning. Existing research suggests another factor of anthropogenic origin that could have subtle harmful effects: the increasingly frequent use of engineered electromagnetic fields (EMF) such as high voltage, cellular communications and WiFi. The infrastructure of the next generation of cellular technologies (5G) will currently be built up without having previously been tested for possible toxic effects. With the pursuit of humanity With the ubiquity of technology, even modest effects of electromagnetic fields on organisms could eventually reach a level of saturation that can no longer be ignored. This systematic review evaluates the study situation on the toxic effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on insects. Also included is a general overview of reported effects and mechanisms of exposure to EMF, which addresses new findings in cell biology. 72 of the 83 studies analyzed found an effect. The following negative effects have been described in studies: restrictions of the sense of direction, reduced reproductive capacity and fertility, lethargy, changes in flight dynamics, failure to search for food, reduced reaction speeds, escape behavior, disruption of the circadian rhythm, blockage of the respiratory chain and damage to the mitochondria, Incorrect activation of the immune system, increased number of DNA strand breaks. Some mechanisms of action that lead to this damage are identified. EMFs affect the metabolism, u. a. do they act on voltage gated calcium channels, e.g. in the neuronal impulse transmission and in the muscle tissue, which can lead to an over-activation of the signal transduction and respiratory chain with the production of free oxygen radicals and consequently to oxidative cell stress. The results show that EMF could have a serious impact on the vitality of insect populations. In some experiments it was found that despite the low levels of pollution from transmitter systems, harmful effects occurred after several months. Field strengths 100 times below the ICNIRP limit values could already have effects. Against the background of the rapid decline in insects and the further expansion of high-frequency electromagnetic field sources, there is not only further, urgent need for research, in particular also for the interactions with other harmful noxae such as pesticides. When planning the expansion of mobile communications, the habitats of insects must already be protected from EMF exposure. bit.ly

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

This systematic review reports that 72 of 83 analyzed studies found an effect of EMF exposure on insects. Reported negative effects include impaired orientation, reduced reproduction, behavioral changes, circadian disruption, mitochondrial/respiratory chain effects, immune activation, and increased DNA strand breaks; effects were reported in some experiments after several months at field strengths stated to be 100 times below ICNIRP limits.

Outcomes measured

• sense of direction/orientation
• reproductive capacity/fertility
• lethargy
• flight dynamics
• food searching/foraging
• reaction speed
• escape behavior
• circadian rhythm disruption
• respiratory chain blockage
• mitochondrial damage
• immune system activation (incorrect)
• DNA strand breaks
• oxidative stress/free radical production
• metabolism changes
• voltage-gated calcium channel effects
• neuronal impulse transmission effects
• muscle tissue effects

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.6)
  Abstract discusses effects at field strengths stated to be far below ICNIRP limit values.
• 5g-policy (0.45)
  Mentions 5G rollout and lack of prior testing for toxic effects.

{
    "study_type": "systematic_review",
    "exposure": {
        "band": null,
        "source": "high voltage, cellular communications, WiFi (incl. 5G mentioned)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "some experiments reported effects after several months"
    },
    "population": "insects",
    "sample_size": 83,
    "outcomes": [
        "sense of direction/orientation",
        "reproductive capacity/fertility",
        "lethargy",
        "flight dynamics",
        "food searching/foraging",
        "reaction speed",
        "escape behavior",
        "circadian rhythm disruption",
        "respiratory chain blockage",
        "mitochondrial damage",
        "immune system activation (incorrect)",
        "DNA strand breaks",
        "oxidative stress/free radical production",
        "metabolism changes",
        "voltage-gated calcium channel effects",
        "neuronal impulse transmission effects",
        "muscle tissue effects"
    ],
    "main_findings": "This systematic review reports that 72 of 83 analyzed studies found an effect of EMF exposure on insects. Reported negative effects include impaired orientation, reduced reproduction, behavioral changes, circadian disruption, mitochondrial/respiratory chain effects, immune activation, and increased DNA strand breaks; effects were reported in some experiments after several months at field strengths stated to be 100 times below ICNIRP limits.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.66000000000000003108624468950438313186168670654296875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "unknown",
    "keywords": [
        "insects",
        "electromagnetic fields",
        "EMF",
        "WiFi",
        "cellular communications",
        "5G",
        "high voltage",
        "ICNIRP",
        "systematic review",
        "oxidative stress",
        "mitochondria",
        "DNA strand breaks"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "who-icnirp",
            "weight": 0.59999999999999997779553950749686919152736663818359375,
            "reason": "Abstract discusses effects at field strengths stated to be far below ICNIRP limit values."
        },
        {
            "slug": "5g-policy",
            "weight": 0.450000000000000011102230246251565404236316680908203125,
            "reason": "Mentions 5G rollout and lack of prior testing for toxic effects."
        }
    ]
}

Comments

Log in to comment.

No comments yet.