Electromagnetic radiation - environmental indicators in our surroundings

Abstract

All living tissues have magnetic properties that are affected to some extent by the existence of electromagnetic radiation in the environment. Therefore all living creatures including plants, microbes, animals and humans are environmental indicators of exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Radiation is the process through which energy travels in the form of waves or particles through space or some other medium. Electromagnetic radiation is the propagation of waves that have an electric (E) and a magnetic (H) field component. Biological cell proliferation and differentiation can be affected by both AC and DC magnetic fields. Radiofrequency and microwave wavelengths can be made to carry information via amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation, such as data from television, mobile phones, wireless networking and amateur radio. Chromosomal damage is a mechanism relevant to causation of birth defects and cancer. Long-term continuous or daily repeated EMF exposure has been found to induce cellular stress responses at non-thermal power levels that lead to an accumulation of DNA errors. Comparative studies in animals that rely on electromagnetic orientation provide valuable information. The effects of electromagnetic radiation on plants and animal life include the diminished radial growth of pine trees, lowered density of bird species and mammals, such as storks, sparrows and bats, effects on bees, effects on magnetic-based homing mechanisms of birds, and many other effects. Plants and animals can be monitored as environmental indicators to assess the effects of electromagnetic radiation.