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Electromagnetic radiation from power lines and phone masts poses 'credible' threat to wildlife, report finds

Bioeffects Seen

Authors not listed · 2018

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Wildlife shows widespread biological effects from everyday EMF levels, suggesting current 'safe' exposure standards may be inadequate.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This comprehensive review examined how electromagnetic radiation from power lines, cell towers, and other sources affects wildlife across all species. The analysis found that current ambient EMF levels - comparable to everyday environmental exposure - cause widespread effects on animal behavior including disrupted migration patterns, impaired reproduction, and reduced survival rates. The researchers conclude that EMF should be regulated as environmental pollution to protect wildlife habitats.

Why This Matters

This review represents a critical shift in how we understand EMF as an environmental issue. While most EMF research focuses on human health, this analysis reveals that wildlife may be even more vulnerable to the same radiation levels we're all exposed to daily. The science demonstrates that animals across all species - from insects to mammals - show measurable biological effects at EMF intensities that regulatory agencies currently consider safe.

What makes this particularly concerning is that these aren't high-intensity exposures from industrial sources. We're talking about ambient levels that exist everywhere today, including remote areas far from cities. The reality is that our wireless infrastructure has created a novel form of pollution that didn't exist until recently, and wildlife populations may be paying a price we're only beginning to understand.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2018). Electromagnetic radiation from power lines and phone masts poses 'credible' threat to wildlife, report finds.
Show BibTeX
@article{electromagnetic_radiation_from_power_lines_and_phone_masts_poses_credible_threat_to_wildlife_report_finds_ce4912,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Electromagnetic radiation from power lines and phone masts poses 'credible' threat to wildlife, report finds},
  year = {2018},
  doi = {10.1515/reveh-2021-0026},
  url = {https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/05/17/electromagnetic-radiation-power-lines-phone-masts-poses-credible/},
}
DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0026PubMed: 34047144

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, the review found broad effects on orientation and migration across multiple species. Many animals rely on natural electromagnetic fields for navigation, and man-made EMF appears to interfere with these biological compass systems, potentially disrupting seasonal migration routes.
The research suggests some wildlife species may have greater EMF sensitivity than humans due to unique physiologies. Many animals have specialized electromagnetic sensing organs for navigation and foraging that humans lack, making them potentially more vulnerable to interference.
The analysis documented effects on reproduction, mating, nest building, territorial defense, food finding, and overall survival rates. These behavioral changes occurred at EMF intensities comparable to current environmental background levels near power infrastructure.
The researchers argue yes, recommending that air be designated as 'habitat' so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. They note that wildlife loss often goes undetected until populations reach critical tipping points.
The review concludes that existing standards are inadequate, noting that long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards for wildlife don't currently exist. The researchers call for wildlife-specific exposure limits based on observed biological effects.