WHAT is wildlife? This is the question that some people do not know correct, if not, the full answer to. Well, to help you with this, wildlife is defined as any animals and or plant species that exist in the wild in the Free State without human interference.
These wildlife species are believed and proved to be affected by electromagnetic pollution mainly from phone masts that are erected within their vicinity.
However, the biggest problem globally is that, Most of the attention on possible biological effects of electromagnetic radiation from phone masts has been focused on human health, with little attention on wildlife.
Therefore, it is my privilege to inform you that life has evolved under the influence of two omnipresent forces: gravity and electromagnetism. These two forces play important roles in the functional activities of organisms. Research shows that before the 1990’s, radiofrequencies were mainly from a few radio and television transmitters, located in remote areas and very high places.
Since the introduction of wireless telecommunication in the 1990’s, the rollout of phone networks has caused a massive increase in electromagnetic pollution in cities and the countryside.
Multiple sources of mobile communication result in chronic exposure of a significant part of the wildlife (and man inclusive) to microwaves mainly at non-thermal levels. Researchers have found that, in recent years, wildlife has been chronically exposed to microwaves and RFR (Radiofrequency radiation) signals from various sources including; GSM and UMTS/3G wireless phones and base stations, WLAN (Wireless Local Area Networks), WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Networks such as Bluetooth) and DECT (Digital Enhanced, former European Cordless Telecommunications) that are erected indiscriminately without studies of environmental impact measuring long-term effects.
These exposures are characterised by low intensities, varieties of signals, and long-term durations. The greater portion of this exposure is from mobile telecommunications.
Some studies have demonstrated different microwave effects depending on wavelength in the range of mm, cm or m. In addition, the duration of exposure may be as important as power density.
But the Biological effects resulting from electromagnetic field radiation might depend on dose, which indicates long-term accumulative effects.
Modulated and pulsed radiofrequencies seem to be more effective in producing effects. Pulsed waves, as well as certain low frequency modulations exert greater effects.
Effects on birds
Effects of phone mast microwaves on white stork
Research shows that, in monitoring a white stork population in vicinity of Cellular Phone Base Stations in Valladolid, Spain, the total productivity in nests located within 200m of antennae, was 0.86±0.16.
For those located further than 300 m, the result was practically doubled, with an average of 1.6±0.14.
Twelve nests located within 200m of antennae never had chicks, while only one located further than 300m had no chicks.
This was because the electric field intensity was higher on nests within 200m than nests further than 300m. Further, nesting sites located within 100m of one or several cell site antennae with the main beam of radiation impacting directly, many young died from unknown causes.
Couples frequently fought over nest construction sticks and failed to advance the construction of the nests. Some nests were never completed and the storks remained passively in front of cell site antennae.
These results indicate the possibility that microwaves are interfering with the reproduction of white stork.
Effects of phone mast microwaves on House sparrows
A possible effect of long-term exposure to low-intensity electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone base stations on the number of House sparrows during the breeding season was studied by some researchers in Belgium.
The study was carried out, sampling 150 point locations within six areas to examine small-scale geographic variation in the number of House sparrow males and the strength of electromagnetic radiation from base stations.
Fewer House sparrow males were seen at locations with relatively high electric field strength values of GSM base stations and therefore support the notion that long-term exposure to higher levels of radiation negatively affects the abundance or behaviour of House sparrows in the wild.
Other researchers conducted a research using point transect sampling performed at 30 points and visited 40 times in Valladolid, Spain and a significant decline of low bird density was observed in areas with high electric field strength and vice-versa. Additionally, Literature shows that the sparrow population in England has decreased in the last 30 years.
The more abrupt decline with 75 per cent descent took place From 1994 to 2002. In 2002, the House sparrow was added to the Red List of U.K. endangered species. This decrease coincided with the rollout of mobile telephone.
Effects on the bird community at an urban park
Microwaves may be affecting bird populations in places with high electromagnetic pollution.
Research on this matter suggest that, since several antennas were installed in proximities of “Campo Grande” urban park (Valladolid, Spain) the bird population has decreased and a reduction of the species and breeding couples has occurred.
Several anomalies in Magpies were detected among others includes: plumage deterioration, locomotive problems, partial albinism and melanism, especially in flanks.
Possible physiological mechanisms of the effects found in birds
Current scientific evidence indicates that prolonged exposure to EMFs, at levels that can be encountered in the environment, may affect immune system function by affecting biological processes.
A stressed immune system may increase the susceptibility of a bird to infectious diseases like, bacterial, viral, and parasitic to mention but a few. The plumage of the birds exposed to microwaves, in general, looked discolorated and lack of shine.
Negative effects on sperm motility characteristics and male fertility as has been demonstrated in many studies made in man and rats.
EMF and microwaves can affect reproductive success in birds. Genotoxic effects and Increases in cytological abnormalities imply long-term detrimental effects since chromosomal damage is a mechanism relevant to causation of birth defects and cancer.
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