Review of the literature on the biological effects of wireless radiation on insects

Abstract and references used for poster presentation, October 31st, 2014
Entomological Society of Manitoba, 70th Annual Meeting – M. Friesen M.Sc.

World-wide reports of declining bee colonies are of great concern. Among the suspected agents which could be responsible, or be a contributing factor, is non-ionizing, electromagnetic wireless radiation e.g. radiofrequency/microwave emissions from cell tower antennae and other devices.

Behavioural effects documented for bees include induction of abnormal worker piping signalling and foraging flight. Decline in colony strength, reduced egg laying ability of the queen and loss of ability to store honey also have been reported. I review the literature on behavioural and other effects documented for insects and include some well designed studies on non-insect species, including birds and mammals.

The US Department of the Interior recently called for field studies in North America “to validate potential impacts of communication tower radiation – both direct and indirect- to migratory and other trust species”. It seems appropriate that ecologically and economically important pollinators such as
bees should rank high for concerted, systematic studies. With our well developed network of honey bee operators, and layperson and academic expertise, Manitoba is a prime location for such work.

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Letter from the US Dept. of the Interior