The Effect of Electromagnetic Radiation on Environmental and Human Safety: An Empirical Review

Abstract

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is a type of energy that moves through space, distinguished by its frequency and wavelength. It has a wide range of wavelengths, from radio waves to gamma rays, and is released by a variety of natural and artificial sources, such as the sun, stars, and electronic equipment (Aghaei et al., 2012). "Electromagnetic radiation is the propagation of energy across space or a medium in the form of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation," according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (NIST, 2021). EMR is also defined as "a sort of energy that flows across space and matter in the form of an electromagnetic wave" by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) (ICNIRP, 2020). Radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, UV radiation, X rays, and gamma rays are all forms of EMR that can be classified by their frequency and wavelength. The effects of EMR on the environment are varied, including changes in ecosystems, wildlife behaviour, and natural processes. While the full extent of these effects is unknown, some data suggest that EMR exposure at specific frequencies and intensities may be a risk factor for increased EMR from power lines and cell phone stations. Species are accompanied by decreases in bird populations and changes in bird behaviour, such as reduced nesting and feeding activities (Balmori, 2014)