They drive connectivity and are critical in many things including wireless transmission and navigation. But what impact do these invisible waves have on the environment?
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has revealed that Australian government research scientists and Swinburne University have released a significant paper examining the impact of radio waves on plants and animals.
Published in The International Journal of Environmental Studies in July 2024, the study, led by ARPANSA’s Health Impact Exposure Assessment Assistant Director Associate Professor Ken Karipidis, presents crucial insights into this environmental issue.
“The findings indicate that there is no substantiated evidence that radio wave exposure below safety limits adversely affect plants and animals,” Karipidis said.
The research reviewed over 26,000 studies and focused on 334 that met the criteria for detailed analysis. Among these, only a few high-quality studies, which used rigorous scientific methods, found no harmful effects from radio waves on plants and animals. These studies were notable for their thorough exposure assessments and proper controls.
On the other hand, the lower-quality studies often suffered from significant flaws, such as missing controls or inadequate consideration of other environmental factors like pollution.
Dr Chris Brzozek, ARPANSA’s lead author, noted, “While the good quality studies add to the international scientific community’s consensus on radio wave effects on plants and animals, the number of those studies was limited and that’s why we need more research to resolve any doubts.”
Overall, the research suggests that current evidence does not indicate significant harm from low-level radio wave exposure. However, ARPANSA and the international scientific community agree that further studies are needed to confirm these findings and address any lingering questions.
This ongoing research highlights the importance of robust studies to understand the true impact of our technology-driven world on the environment.
Read also: Australia on sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
