8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Brain & Nervous System

The impacts of artificial Electromagnetic Radiation on wildlife (flora and fauna)

Bioeffects Seen

Malkemper EP, Tscheulin T, VanBergen AJ, Vian A, Balian E, Goudeseune L · 2018

View Original Abstract
Share:

The review documents documented effects of artificial electromagnetic radiation on wildlife populations, though specific findings cannot be detailed without access to the abstract.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 2018 review article by Malkemper and colleagues examined the impacts of artificial electromagnetic radiation on wildlife species, including both flora (plants) and fauna (animals). The study synthesized existing research on how electromagnetic fields from human-made sources affect various organisms in natural and semi-natural environments.

Why This Matters

Review articles synthesize existing literature to identify patterns and gaps in knowledge on a topic. This review addresses an important ecological question about whether widespread artificial EMF exposure from modern technology poses risks to non-human organisms in their natural habitats.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Malkemper EP, Tscheulin T, VanBergen AJ, Vian A, Balian E, Goudeseune L (2018). The impacts of artificial Electromagnetic Radiation on wildlife (flora and fauna).
Show BibTeX
@article{the_impacts_of_artificial_electromagnetic_radiation_on_wildlife_flora_and_fauna_ce4911,
  author = {Malkemper EP and Tscheulin T and VanBergen AJ and Vian A and Balian E and Goudeseune L},
  title = {The impacts of artificial Electromagnetic Radiation on wildlife (flora and fauna)},
  year = {2018},
  doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133833},
  url = {http://bit.ly/Eklipseoverview},
}
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133833

Quick Questions About This Study

Current evidence is insufficient to determine this. While some lab studies show bees can detect electromagnetic fields, there's limited research on whether wireless radiation affects bee behavior, navigation, or colony health in real-world environments.
Yes, some studies provide evidence that artificial light at night can alter pollinator communities, disrupt pollination patterns, and affect fruit set, though research remains limited compared to other environmental threats.
Laboratory experiments suggest honey bees and other invertebrates can detect electromagnetic radiation and may potentially use it for orientation or navigation, but evidence of this behavior in natural ecosystems is lacking.
Only one study has examined this question, reporting mixed positive and negative effects on different pollinator groups depending on location. More research is needed to establish definitive impacts on insect diversity.
The review identified a lack of high-quality scientific studies specifically designed to assess electromagnetic radiation impacts on pollinators, leaving knowledge gaps about this potential environmental threat largely unresolved.