by Theodora Scarato, ehn.org, 7 February 2025
In short
- RF radiation absorption can rise sharply in insects depending on several variables, including the waves’ frequency and polarization, and the insect’s size, structure, and morphology.
- Because of this, the specific frequencies that had the highest rate of absorption into the insects brain tissue, varied widely among species.
- For example, maximal RF absorption into the insects’ brain and inner tissues was found at 6, 12, and 25 GHz, except the brain tissue of a ladybug (max at 60 GHz) due to its smaller head.
- However, absorption into insects’ cuticles (their hard outside covering) increased with frequency; for instance, the ladybug cuticle’s rate rose from 0.1 W/kg at 2.5 GHz to 11.9 W/kg at 100 GHz - 119 times higher.
Key quote:
“The development of 5G and next-generation wireless communication networks could alter the nature of radio-frequency EMF exposure in the environment. This may have significant implications for biological organisms, including insects.”
.webp)
Why this matters:
The wireless revolution is increasing environmental exposures to wireless RF radiation and 5G is adding in higher frequencies at an unprecedented scale. These new untested technologies could impact insect populations, disrupting the health of species critical to pollination and maintaining healthy ecosystems. Experts caution that regulations are outdated and human-centric, ignoring the growing research reporting wireless impacts to wildlife health, especially for pollinators. A 2021 federal court order mandated the US government review the science on environmental impacts, but no action has been taken in response.
Study link:
Jeladze, Vera et al. for International Journal of Radiation Biology. Jan. 2, 2025
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