Phone radiation blamed for dramatic decline in insects

RADIATION from mobile phones could have contributed to the dramatic decline in insect populations seen in much of Europe in recent years, a German study found.

On top of pesticides and habitat loss, increased exposure to electromagnetic radiation is “probably having a negative impact on the insect world”, according to the study presented in Stuttgart yesterday, which is yet to be peer-reviewed.

The analysis of 190 scientific studies was carried out by Germany’s Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union together with two non-government organisations, one from Germany and one from Luxembourg.

Of the 83 studies deemed scientifically relevant, 72 showed that radiation had a negative effect on bees, wasps and flies. These effects included a reduced ability to navigate due to disturbed magnetic fields, and damage to genetic material. Mobile phone and

Wi-fi radiation in particular open the calcium channels in certain cells, meaning they absorb more calcium ions.

This can trigger a biochemical chain reaction in insects, the study said, disrupting circadian rhythms and the immune system.

“The study shows that we must keep our eyes open in all directions when analysing the causes of the dramatic insect decline,” said Johannes Enssle, head of NABU in the state of Badenwürttemberg.

“The subject is uncomfortable for many of us because it interferes with our daily habits and there are powerful economic interests behind mobile communication technology,” Mr Enssle added.

Networks equipped with 5G are expected to offer speeds 100 times faster than existing 4G networks, but the technology has been met with strong opposition from some quarters, including from conspiracy theorists wrongly linking it to the coronavirus pandemic.