A German environmental NGO believes that radio waves from smartphones and WiFi promote the disappearance of insects. According to the organization, several studies show a negative influence on the behavior of insects at different levels, and even a degradation of their genetic material.
For many months, the debate has been intense between pro 5G and anti. According to them, mobile networks have a negative influence both on health and the environment. 5G pros explain that no scientific study has been able to prove a cause and effect relationship regarding radio waves. Whether in France or elsewhere, the debate is just as intense.
In Germany, NABU – one of the largest environmental NGOs in the country – published a meta-analysis including 190 studies (PDF in German / 28 pages) on August 3, 2020. This last deals with the impact of electromagnetic radiation on insects. It is therefore a question, by extension, of an impact on the entire ecosystem and therefore on our health. The report indicates that as many as 60% of these studies demonstrate a link between radio waves and insect depopulation.
Recall in passing that the quantity of waves emitted by smartphones is quantified by a value, the specific absorption rate (DAS). This index aims in particular to protect consumers by limiting their exposure to these same waves.
In addition to cell phone radiation, these studies also point to WiFi networks, causing significant changes in insects. This would include an increased calcium in their cells, causing various consequences. These include a reduction in the ability to reproduce, a disturbance of the immune system, a loss of orientation as well as a degradation of genetic material. In addition, the insects affected are flies, wasps and bees. You should know that insects occupy an important place in ecosystems. Not only do these pollinate the flowers but represent a source of food for insectivores . Thus, if the insects disappear, their predators will suffer the same fate.
In December 2019, a study published in the journal PLOS One claimed that arthropod biomass declined by 67% in grasslands and by 41% in forests over the last decade. Remember that the term "arthropod" includes insects, crustaceans, scorpions, spiders or even tardigrades.
