ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION AND ITS EFFECTS

Form of energy that is all around us.

Takes many forms such as Radio Waves, Microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays,and , Gamma rays in order of Decreasing Wavelength.

These waves in various regions in the EM Spectrum share similar properties but differ in wavelength, frequency, energy and method of production.

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 the AC and DC magnetic filed.

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 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 orientation 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.

-Adapted from: Environmental Indicators by Yael Stein and Osmo Hanninen, 2014