The electromagnetic pollution is the environmental displacement of waves produced by the combination of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. Some authors have called electromagnetic pollution electrosmog.
This electromagnetic radiation is polluting insofar as it comes from unnatural sources. It should be clear that the electromagnetic fields generated by the Earth, the Sun and electrical storms are not considered electromagnetic pollution..
Electromagnetic pollution is considered to have originated with the start of the age of electricity in the late 19th century. Electromagnetic waves travel from the source in all directions and their energy decreases with distance. These waves are reflected or absorbed by objects according to the angle of incidence and characteristics of said objects..
The main cause of electromagnetic pollution is electromagnetic wave emissions from electronic devices. Sources of electromagnetic pollution include household appliances, microwaves, television, radio, mobile telephony, electronic surveillance systems and radars..
Although the evidence so far is inconclusive, various investigations suggest that electromagnetic pollution affects human health. Harmful effects on the nervous, immune, endocrine systems, sleep disturbances, heart rate and blood pressure have been reported.
Likewise, it has been suggested that electromagnetic pollution can be the cause of certain types of cancer, especially childhood leukemia. Other investigations warn about the harmful effect of electromagnetic pollution on fauna and flora.
Its negative effect on the reproductive capacity of various species of birds and mammals has been determined. It can also cause behavioral alterations, generating irritability and anxiety.
There are proven cases of negative effects of electromagnetic pollution, especially in animal species. For example, in the white stork, the proximity of the nests to mobile phone antennas reduces reproductive capacity..
On the other hand, electromagnetic pollution evaluations have been carried out in urban environments. Thus, in an area of the city of Cúcuta (Colombia), the occurrence of this type of contamination in a recreational park was verified..
Due to the characteristics of electromagnetic radiation, solutions to the pollution it generates are not easy to implement. Therefore, it is necessary to mitigate the effects of electromagnetic pollution by reducing the use of this energy to what is essential..
At home it is important not to leave electronic devices on unnecessarily to protect children, the elderly and the sick. Likewise, telecommunications antennas, high voltage networks, radars or similar equipment should be avoided near educational and health centers..
Since there is sufficient evidence of the negative effect of electromagnetic pollution on wildlife, it must be protected. For this, the installation of electromagnetic radiation sources in wildlife protection areas should be prohibited..
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They are waves propagating through space and driven by the reciprocal oscillating action of an electric field and a magnetic field. These fields are arranged in a phase of 90º with respect to each other and propagate at the speed of light..
There is an electromagnetic spectrum defined by wavelength and frequency. This goes from the minimum length (gamma rays) to the maximum (radio waves), passing through visible light.
This refers to the distance that separates two maximum peaks of electric field. It is graphically represented as the distance between the crests of two contiguous waves.
Frequency is the number of maximum electric field peaks per unit of time. Low wave lengths have a high frequency and therefore carry more energy..
The electromagnetic spectrum can be divided into ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing electromagnetic radiation is defined by its ability to break chemical bonds due to its high energy, forming ions. At the same time, non-ionizing radiation, being of weak energy, is not capable of breaking the bonds.
Electromagnetic pollution refers to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation.
In today's society, electromagnetic fields are everywhere like the electrical system as well as radio and television stations and devices..
Later, from the 90s (20th century), there was a leap with the introduction of wireless communications. With the expansion of mobile telephony, these electromagnetic fields have invaded all areas of life.
Being a non-natural element present in the environment, these structures become a factor of environmental pollution.
Electromagnetic waves propagate in all directions uniformly from the emission source. In addition, they lose energy in proportion to the square of the distance from the emission source when moving.
When electromagnetic waves collide with an object obliquely, they are reflected (refraction) by changing speed and direction. Another related phenomenon is the absorption that occurs when there is a friction between the wave and an object, as mechanical energy is transformed into heat..
To establish the level of electromagnetic pollution in an area, the intensity of the generated electric field (mV / m) is taken into account. Likewise, the intensity of the magnetic field (mA / m), the power density (μW / m2) and the exposure time (T) must be considered..
Worldwide there is the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The ICNIRP uses the specific absorption rate as an index to establish the received dose of non-ionizing radiation..
The specific absorption rate establishes the ratio of energy absorbed in time per unit of exposed body mass. The specific absorption rate is measured in watts per kilogram.
Electromagnetic pollution is produced by any source that generates electromagnetic waves. So electrical, electronic surveillance and telecommunications systems cause electromagnetic pollution.
Therefore, household appliances, including microwaves, televisions, and radios are sources of electromagnetic pollution. As are mobile phones, associated transmission systems (mobile phone bases and antennas), wireless or Wi-Fi systems, and computer systems.
Due to the characteristics of electromagnetic waves, the effect of pollution will vary according to certain criteria. Among these is the distance between the source and the affected objects (humans, animals, plants).
The topography of the area and existing buildings or objects, among other elements, also affect..
It should be noted that there is not yet fully conclusive evidence regarding the possible effects of electromagnetic pollution. However, scientific research results continue to accumulate warning of possible negative effects.
The dangers associated with high-energy electromagnetic radiation are quite obvious. An organism exposed to gamma rays, X-rays or ultraviolet radiation runs serious risks depending on the dose and time of exposure.
Fundamentally, the effect of electromagnetic radiation that until now is possible to associate with damage to living beings is heat. The concrete damage generated by heat is burns.
The current doubts in the scientific community are related to low intensity electromagnetic radiation. In this sense, it has not been possible to clearly establish whether long-term exposure to microwaves and radio frequencies can affect health..
At the Ramón y Cajal Hospital (Spain) the effect of electromagnetic radiation (low intensity) on chicken embryos was studied. The investigation began in 1982 with the team made up of Jocelyne Leal, Alejandro Úbeda and Ángeles Trillo..
The results indicate possible mutagenic effects of weak electromagnetic radiation.
The World Health Organization (2013) classified radio frequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Two epidemiological studies (USA and Sweden) indicate a higher incidence of leukemia in workers in the electrical, electronic and telecommunications industries..
Although there is no conclusive evidence, electromagnetic pollution could affect human health in:
- The nervous system, by generating changes in the neuronal response.
- Disruption of circadian rhythms (sleep-wake), due to hormonal imbalances.
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
- Weakening of the immune system.
- Some types of cancer (for example, childhood leukemia).
There is scientific research that shows the possibility that electromagnetic pollution negatively affects certain animal species. It also seems that this type of contamination has some negative impact on plants..
The evidence is at least sufficient to conclude the advisability of regulating electromagnetic pollution in natural areas..
In the case of the white stork, studies carried out showed the effects of electromagnetic pollution on its reproduction and behavior. Nests closer to the source produced fewer viable eggs and chicks
Studies have been carried out on the effect on the European sparrow of long-term exposure to electromagnetic pollution. In Belgium, Spain and England a correlation was established between the intensity of the electromagnetic field and the population density.
The rats were subjected to 1.3 Ghz microwave radiation, and there was an area protected from this radiation. The results showed that the rats showed aversion to radiation pulses of less than 0.4mW / cm2 power density..
In experiments with mice exposed to microwave radiation, panic reactions, disorientation and a greater degree of anxiety were evidenced. Anxiety and alarm were manifested in rabbits when subjected to pulses of microwave radiation (1.5 Ghz).
The activity of bats was significantly reduced in areas subjected to an electromagnetic field greater than 2 V / m. In a wild colony the number of individuals decreased when several antennas were placed 80 m from the colony.
Some researchers have suggested that the deformations that have been detected in amphibians may be due to electromagnetic pollution.
Trials have been conducted by subjecting amphibians to electromagnetic fields at different stages of development. When embryos were subjected to short periods of electromagnetic radiation, abnormalities were generated.
There is evidence of alterations in development in plants subjected to electromagnetic pollution. In pine (Pinus sylvestris) populations, individuals close to a radar station in Latvia reached a lower development.
This decrease in growth was associated with the entry into activity of the station. Likewise, a lower production of chlorophyll and a lower germination rate of the seeds were found..
In the false acaciaRobinia pseudoacacia), less chlorophyll production was also observed in seedlings exposed to electromagnetic fields. The decrease was directly proportional to the time of exposure to radiation.
In Valladolid (Spain) a population of white stork located around a cell phone base was evaluated. The area was divided into two radii: the first 200 meters and beyond 300 meters from the emission source..
The number of eggs and chicks per nest was taken into account, as well as the viability of the chicks. Evaluations of the behavior of the pair in nesting were also carried out..
The results obtained showed that the effective reproduction was directly proportional to the distance from the source. The nests within a radius of 200 m or less from the transmitting antennas had very low productivity and 12 nests never had chicks..
In these areas, even the chick mortality rate was higher without determining the cause. On the other hand, altered behaviors were also observed in the pairs closest to the antennas.
On the other hand, the nests located beyond 300 m reached twice the productivity and the behavior of the adults did not show alterations..
In Cúcuta, an electromagnetic pollution study was carried out in an urban area that includes a sports and recreational park. Several mobile phone base stations are located in this area..
Pollution levels were found to depend on the distance from the radiation source. Likewise, the importance of the distribution of buildings in the area was evidenced..
Buildings function as screens that reflect electromagnetic waves, so in areas with tall buildings, their concentration was lower.
The highest levels of electromagnetic pollution were located in areas located 60 m from the telephone base station. This corresponds to the sports and recreation park Los Pinos, which presented a power density value of 5.27 μW / m2.
The solution to the problem of electromagnetic pollution is not easy because the magnitude of the problem and its real limits are not yet clear. Additionally, this is a polluting agent to which it is not easy to put physical limits or controls..
On the other hand, in today's society it is not possible to eradicate the use of technologies that generate electromagnetic pollution..
Further scientific research is required to determine the characteristics of the problem and possible mitigation measures..
Although the evidence is weak, the principle of prevention should be applied where necessary and possible. Especially in the case of children and vulnerable people, it is necessary to start from the existing reasonable doubt and establish regulations.
In this type of establishment, the use of certain sources of electromagnetic pollution must be restricted. Therefore, the possible restrictive measures should be taken without affecting the essential elements of operation..
Children and the sick should be protected from prolonged exposure to electromagnetic pollution.
Different materials have been proposed for the installation of protective panels against electromagnetic pollution. Modern Construction Industry Offers Electrosmog Insulation Alternatives.
Polymers represent a good alternative due to their relative low cost and ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation. For example, multifunctional polyetherimide / graphene panels @ Fe3O do not reflect radiation but absorb it.
A series of elementary measures can be taken into account that contribute to reducing electromagnetic pollution in our environment. Between them:
Disconnect all electrical appliances that are not being used.
Guarantee the grounding of all electrical connections to avoid the generation of an environmental electric field.
Try to avoid keeping electronics turned on in bedrooms, break rooms, and playrooms.
Regarding wildlife, it is necessary to regulate the installation and operation of electromagnetic equipment in natural areas. This is because there is relevant evidence regarding tangible effects on animals and plants..
Mobile phone base stations, radar and high voltage lines should not be installed in wildlife areas.
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