We explain what electromagnetic pollution is and its consequences. Also, its general characteristics and possible solutions.
What is electromagnetic pollution?
Electromagnetic pollution is called the excessive presence of radiation of the electromagnetic spectrum. Electromagnetic pollution can have negative effects on the environment and cause a deterioration in the health of living beings.
Electromagnetic pollution levels have increased significantly in recent years due to to the increase in the use of wireless technologies and electronic devices in people's lives.
However, the actual effects of electromagnetic pollution are the subject of debate: while some studies suggest that exposure to high levels of electromagnetic radiation may be related to some health problems, other studies fail to demonstrate a direct correlation.
- See also: Pollution
Sources of electromagnetic pollution
There are several sources of electromagnetic radiation:
- electronic devices. Most cell phones, computers, televisions, microwave ovens, and radios emit electromagnetic radiation.
- Antennas and telecommunications towers. Antennas used for the transmission of radio, television, telephone and other wireless communications signals also emit electromagnetic radiation.
- High voltage lines. High voltage lines used for electricity distribution can also emit electromagnetic radiation.
- It may help you: History of technology
Types of electromagnetic pollution
Depending on its physical nature and its emission source, two types of electromagnetic radiation can be distinguished:
- high frequency radiation. Short waves (3 to 30 MHz), it is emitted by electronic devices, mobile phones, radio, etc.
- low frequency radiation. Long waves (30 to 3000 MHz), it is emitted by electrical appliances, transformers or high voltage lines.
Electromagnetic fields
Electromagnetic fields are a form of energy that is produced when electrically charged particles move through space. They are produced by any object that has an electrical charge, whether positive or negative..
Sometimes magnetic fields come from natural phenomena, such as sunlight or thunderstorms, and other times they are generated by artificial sources, such as radio antennas and power lines.
Effects on the environment
Many animals possess a certain degree of geomagnetic orientation that allows them to migrate en masse at certain times and always preserve the accuracy of their trajectories. According to specialists, artificial electric fields could alter the birds' ability to orient themselves and interfere with their migrations.
Furthermore, life forms that live near abundant electromagnetic waves suffer harmful health consequences similar to those that affect humans.
Technological scrap
Another form of pollution associated with telecommunications and modern technology is technological scrap. Every year, tons of waste materials are produced, such as broken computers or cell phones, damaged spare parts or dead batteries.
If there is no good disposal policy for these materials, They can contaminate the environment and cause physical, chemical or electromagnetic alterations. on the ground where they accumulate.
Debate on electromagnetic pollution
Electromagnetic pollution is a topic that has generated debate about its impact on health and the environment.
On the one hand, some scientists claim that exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by electronic devices and other objects can have harmful effects on health and cause diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders.
They maintain that exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields such as those emitted by cell phones and wireless networks can damage DNA and biological systems in the human body.
On the other hand, there are those who argue that electromagnetic pollution is harmless and that there is not enough evidence to support the idea that it may have adverse health effects. According to these scientists, the levels of exposure to electromagnetic radiation in daily life are too low to cause harm.
Possible solutions for electromagnetic pollution
Prevention is imposed as the great protection measure for this type of contamination. However, it is impossible to move away from sources of electromagnetic radiation, since where there is internet, mobile telephony and radio, this type of radiation will exist.
Some preventive measures against electromagnetic pollution that governments can implement to reduce risks are:
- Promote research to find out the true risks of this type of contamination for people's health.
- Place antennas and communication towers as far as possible from people's homes.
- Implement rules and regulations to limit the levels of radiation emitted by electronic devices.
- mass culture
- Second Industrial Revolution
- air pollution
- Soil pollution
- Water pollution
References
- The Universal (2022). What is electromagnetic pollution and how does it affect you? https://www.eleconomista.net/
- Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (2021). International day against electromagnetic pollution. Government of Mexico. https://www.gob.mx/semarnat/
- Sánchez, J. (2018). Electromagnetic pollution: causes, consequences and solutions. https://www.ecologiaverde.com/
