Biological Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields above 100 MHz on Fauna and Flora: Workshop Report
Author: Blanka Pophof1, Bernd Henschenmacher1, Daniel R Kattnig2, Jens Kuhne1, Alain Vian3, Gunde Ziegelberger1
Affiliation:
1 Competence Centre for Electromagnetic Fields, Department Effects and Risks of Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation, Federal Office for Radiation Protection, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany.
2 Department of Physics and Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom.
3 Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAV, F-49000 Angers, France.
Conference/Journal: Health Phys
Date published: 2023 Jan 1
Other:
Volume ID: 124 , Issue ID: 1 , Pages: 31-38 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001625. , Word Count: 146
This report summarizes the effects of anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields with frequencies above 100 MHz on flora and fauna presented at an international workshop held on 5-7 November 2019 in Munich, Germany. Anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields at these frequencies are commonplace; e.g., originating from transmitters used for terrestrial radio and TV broadcasting, mobile communication, wireless internet networks, and radar technologies. The effects of these radiofrequency fields on flora, fauna, and ecosystems are not well studied. For high frequencies exceeding 100 MHz, the only scientifically established action mechanism in organisms is the conversion of electromagnetic into thermal energy. In accordance with that, no proven scientific evidence of adverse effects in animals or plants under realistic environmental conditions has yet been identified from exposure to low-level anthropogenic radiofrequency fields in this frequency range. Because appropriate field studies are scarce, further studies on plants and animals are recommended.
PMID: 36480583 DOI: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001625
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