Reviews

A systematically conducted analysis ^[1] evaluated over 100 scientific papers on the potential ecological effects of high-frequency electromagnetic fields. Specifically, insects, birds, vertebrates, and plants and the endpoints of reproduction, development, and behaviour were addressed. Laboratory studies on rodents and chickens predominate; in many cases thermal effects far above the limit values were described. Only a few studies were carried out in the wild. In view of the insufficient data and changing quality of the studies, further research is called for.

Another review ^[2] deals with studies on the potential effects of high-frequency electromagnetic fields on the environment. In particular, insects, birds, mammals, and plants were considered. The studies were assessed in terms of quality with the result that studies of poor quality, especially with regard to exposure determination and statistics, clearly predominated. It was often not possible to exclude confounding factors; in some studies, the influences of high and low frequency fields were mixed, and many publications were published in journals that do not carry out a peer-review process for quality assurance. Many studies showed biological, often negative effects on animals and plants. However, for the reasons mentioned above, they cannot be taken as proof that high-frequency electromagnetic fields have a harmful effect on the environment. In order to clarify this question, interdisciplinary research with detailed description of the experiments and correct exposure determination is necessary.

Literature

[1] Cucurachi S, Tamis WLM, Vijver MG, Peijnenburg WJGM, Bolte JFB, de Snoo GR (2013) A review of the ecological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Environ. Int. 51: 116 - 140.

[2] Verschaeve L (2014). Environmental Impact of Radiofrequency Fields from Mobile Phone Base Stations. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology 44(12): 1313 - 1369.