Addressing Wildlife Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields: Time for Action

Abstract

Addressing Wildlife Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields: Time for Action Froidevaux JSP, Virto LR, Czerwiński M, Thielens A, Park KJ. Addressing Wildlife Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields: Time for Action. Environmental Science & Technology Letter. 2023. doi: 10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00795. Abstract With the rapid global expansion of mobile communication networks and the introduction of new radiofrequencies, especially above 6 GHz with the emergence of 5G/6G technology, there is an urgent requirement to investigate and tackle the possible effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field emissions on wildlife. Here, we highlight (i) the pressing need for robust research on this topic, (ii) the inadequacy of existing guidelines from the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, which solely address human health, and (iii) the lack of attention given to wildlife exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field levels when creating and/or restoring wildlife habitats and deploying new radiofrequency electromagnetic field sources. We call for a common worldwide agenda that would prioritize research on wildlife exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and for an independent international organization to address this issue. Finally, we provide key recommendations aimed at reducing wildlife exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields while awaiting further evidence. Excerpt Pending further evidence, we strongly recommend the implementation of complementary measures aimed at reducing wildlife exposure to RF-EMF, particularly for species of major conservation concern. First, we advocate for strategic spatial planning by aiming the emissions from mobile phone masts away from areas of wildlife conservation significance, such as optimal foraging and nesting sites. Second, emission limitation strategies should be employed, particularly for mobile phone masts that create exposure in these sensitive areas. Third, technical adjustments such as optimizing antenna orientation and installation height and implementing shielding, discouraging, or obstruction mechanisms could further contribute to reducing wildlife exposure to RF- EMF, albeit their effectiveness should first be tested. These measures should ideally be accompanied by a systematic monitoring of wildlife exposure to RF-EMF. Lastly, we suggest integrating an adaptive management approach into these strategies. This approach is adequate to address the uncertainties associated with RF-EMF effects on wildlife by systematically bolstering pertinent knowledge and mitigating risks linked to exposure. This would enable a future in which wireless technologies and wildlife can both flourish. Open access paper: pubs.acs.org

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

The article argues there is an urgent need for robust research on possible effects of RF-EMF emissions on wildlife amid expanding mobile networks and new frequencies (notably above 6 GHz with 5G/6G). It states existing ICNIRP guidelines address human health only and calls for a worldwide agenda and an independent international organization, while recommending interim measures to reduce wildlife exposure (e.g., directing mast emissions away from conservation areas, limiting emissions, technical adjustments, shielding, and monitoring).

Outcomes measured

• Wildlife exposure to RF-EMF
• Potential effects of RF-EMF on wildlife
• Guideline adequacy (ICNIRP human-health focus)
• Recommendations to reduce wildlife RF-EMF exposure (spatial planning, emission limits, antenna adjustments, shielding/obstruction, monitoring, adaptive management)

Limitations

• Appears to be a commentary/policy call rather than reporting new empirical effect estimates
• No specific exposure metrics (frequency, SAR, duration) or quantified outcomes provided in the abstract/excerpt

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.78)
  Discusses inadequacy of ICNIRP guidelines (human-health focus) for wildlife exposure.
• 5g-policy (0.72)
  Mentions new radiofrequencies above 6 GHz with 5G/6G and calls for action/recommendations.

{
    "study_type": "policy",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile communication networks / mobile phone masts (base stations)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Wildlife (species of conservation concern mentioned generally)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Wildlife exposure to RF-EMF",
        "Potential effects of RF-EMF on wildlife",
        "Guideline adequacy (ICNIRP human-health focus)",
        "Recommendations to reduce wildlife RF-EMF exposure (spatial planning, emission limits, antenna adjustments, shielding/obstruction, monitoring, adaptive management)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "The article argues there is an urgent need for robust research on possible effects of RF-EMF emissions on wildlife amid expanding mobile networks and new frequencies (notably above 6 GHz with 5G/6G). It states existing ICNIRP guidelines address human health only and calls for a worldwide agenda and an independent international organization, while recommending interim measures to reduce wildlife exposure (e.g., directing mast emissions away from conservation areas, limiting emissions, technical adjustments, shielding, and monitoring).",
    "effect_direction": "unclear",
    "limitations": [
        "Appears to be a commentary/policy call rather than reporting new empirical effect estimates",
        "No specific exposure metrics (frequency, SAR, duration) or quantified outcomes provided in the abstract/excerpt"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "wildlife",
        "radiofrequency electromagnetic fields",
        "RF-EMF",
        "mobile communication networks",
        "mobile phone masts",
        "base stations",
        "5G",
        "6G",
        "above 6 GHz",
        "ICNIRP",
        "guidelines",
        "exposure reduction",
        "spatial planning",
        "monitoring",
        "adaptive management"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "who-icnirp",
            "weight": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
            "reason": "Discusses inadequacy of ICNIRP guidelines (human-health focus) for wildlife exposure."
        },
        {
            "slug": "5g-policy",
            "weight": 0.7199999999999999733546474089962430298328399658203125,
            "reason": "Mentions new radiofrequencies above 6 GHz with 5G/6G and calls for action/recommendations."
        }
    ]
}

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