Are Cell Phones Killing the Birds and Bees?
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The adverse effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from cell phones and antennas are a hot topic these days. It seems that it`s not only humans who are affected. Beasts on the wing are too.
Bees
It was reported back in 2003 by a small group of German scientists. Unfortunately, the paper was in German so it didn`t attract much attention. However, the recent reports of colony collapse disorder - the phenomenon of disappearing beehive populations – forced scientists to look for answers back to this paper. Basically, the researchers observed that cell phone radiation in the frequency range 900 MHz to 1800 MHz caused the bees to desert their hives. Where they go is not clear but it is speculated that they die away from home. The problem, initially observed in North America, is also now widespread in Europe. Bees have an important role in the cross-pollination of many plant species. Their disappearance will have far-reaching effect on the ecosystem.
Birds
In another European study, sparrows across the continent are dying and low-intensity EMR emitted from cell phone base stations seems to be partly responsible for their population decline. Spanish researcher found that the number of sparrows is lowest in areas where EMR is strongest and vice versa.
Sources:
Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine January 2007; 26(1): 63-72
Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine April 2007; 26(2): 141-151
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