prolonged exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields has been found to weaken the immune systems of animals by altering various biological processes (Chou et al., 1992, Novoselova and Fesenko, 1998, Szmigielski, 2013). In addition, Levitt et al. (2022a) reported that deadly sarcomas were observed in the tissue around RFID chips imbedded in rodents and dogs (Albrecht, 2010), and severe metabolic changes were also observed in some animals implanted with RFID chips (Paik et al., 2016). Other recent studies have confirmed that mobile phone radiofrequency radiation can cause DNA damage and consequent carcinogenesis (Falcioni et al., 2018, Smith-Roe et al., 2020).
Current evidence indicates that exposure to low-level radiofrequency fields may particularly alter the magnetoreception process (Vacha et al., 2009, Wiltschko et al., 2014, Engels et al., 2014, Balmori, 2015). Radiofrequency fields in the MHz range disrupt the orientation of birds, as they interfere directly with the primary processes of magnetoreception and disable the avian compass as long as they are present (Wiltschko et al., 2014). Ritz et al. (2009) reported the sensitivity of the orientation of European robins (Erithacus rubecula) to radiofrequency magnetic fields. Robins are unable to use their magnetic compass in the presence of urban electromagnetic radiofrequency noise and the disruptive effect is not limited to a single narrow frequency range (Engels et al., 2014). Hence, radiofrequency radiation can affect the ability of some animals to orient themselves.
Balmori A. Radio-tracking systems emit pulsed waves that could affect the health and alter the orientation of animals. Available online Nov 20, 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.jnc.2023.126520.
Abstract
Any study carried out with a given technique must avoid causing harmful effects on the experimental subjects, in order to avoid altering the survival rates of the animals or causing bias in the results of the study. Radio tagging is undoubtedly a very useful technique, and in many cases is the only option available to obtain information on the ecology and movements of wild animals, but unfortunately it has been used indiscriminately, without regard to the problems it can cause. The most well-known of these are the effects from the weight of the device and the harness, but there are others that have not yet been taken into account and that have not been sufficiently studied, such as the non-thermal effects of modulated and/or pulsed electromagnetic fields on the health and orientation of radio-tracked animals. This commentary provides a brief overview of the scientific evidence on the effects of electromagnetic fields, and underlines the importance of carrying out relevant studies in order to check for the possible effects of radio transmitters on animals.
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