Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Insects

Abstract

Overview

This systematic review assesses the toxic effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on insects, integrating current research findings and new discoveries in cell biology into a cohesive narrative.

Findings

• 72 out of 83 studies noted adverse effects on insects due to EMF exposure.
• Negative impacts include: impaired sense of direction, reduced fertility, lethargy, altered flight dynamics, compromised foraging, slower reaction times, escape behavior, disrupted circadian rhythms, respiratory chain blockages, mitochondrial damage, inappropriate immune responses, and increased DNA strand breaks.
• EMFs interfere with metabolic processes, particularly affecting voltage-gated calcium channels, which play roles in neural impulse transmission and muscle function. This leads to overstressed signal pathways and oxidative cell damage.

Conclusion

The ubiquity and intensity of engineered EMF from technologies including 5G suggest significant detrimental effects on insect populations, a concern that aligns with the global decline in these critical organisms. Even EMF levels significantly below international guidelines have been shown to cause harm. In light of these findings, rigorous examination of EMF effects in conjunction with other environmental toxins is urgent, as is the need to consider ecological impacts in the expansion of EMF-emitting technologies.