Are the mobile tower radiations harmful to our environment? Let us find out.
To enable the use of wireless communication devices like telephones and radios in the surrounding region, electric communications equipment, and antennae are put on top of cell towers, sometimes called mobile phone towers. These towers emit radiation to link with other towers and enable communication.
What are Mobile Tower Radiations?
The electronic parts and antennas on these towers utilize radiofrequency (RF) waves to pick up and broadcast mobile tower signals. When a wireless carrier or tower firm expands the capacity or network coverage in a particular location, they frequently construct these towers to improve the signal reception. Mobile Tower Base Stations (MTBS) are a necessary component of the telecom infrastructure system for high-quality wireless communication.
Such towers relay signals from devices through microwaves to another tower, which can subsequently send your data to the data center via cables. It could be difficult to run cables between each tower, especially in remote locations. As a result, certain towers are equipped with very sizable microwave antennas.
The number of mobile towers is 7.4 lakh, and the number of Mobile Base Transceiver Stations is 23.98 lakhs as of 2022 records of the Ministry of Communications, Govt. of India.
Impact of Radiations
Mobile towers are necessary for wireless communications and have helped people connect, however, they likewise have detrimental impacts on humans as well as wildlife. Although the first variations were not obvious, our lifestyle has changed as a result of the rapid growth of networks and communications. Because of the presence of a family of chemicals, mobile phone components and usage have been linked to an increased risk of cancer as well as a number of neurological, reproductive, and developmental problems. This information provides comprehensive descriptions of the mental and physical risks connected with mobile phone manufacturing.
Cancer
A major source of mobile tower radiations emanates from the mobile towers since they are relatively close to residential areas and other public facilities, such as hospitals and schools. Radiation exposure from cell phone towers has been connected to an increased risk of cancer and other diseases. Nearly everyone who lives near cell towers reports illnesses like insomnia, headaches, fatigue, and joint pains among others. The International Agency for Research on Disease (IARC) of the World Health Organisation claims that radiation from mobile handsets and towers is “possibly carcinogenic to humans” and may cause the brain disease glioma.
According to the WHO, mobile tower radiations can harm a person’s health and, if exposed to them over an extended length of time, may contribute to the development of cancer. This classifies them in the same category as fumes and exhaust.
Other Health Hazards
Another reason for mobile tower radiations is that mobile phones should not be used for longer periods of time in order to prevent DNA damage. Currently, only a few published human studies have investigated changes in gene/protein expression in response to direct exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR). EMRs are sent by mobile towers. EMR may influence a person’s physical and physiological composition because of the thermal reaction resulting from ingesting microwave radiation. In conclusion, it has been stated that the more a person is in contact with these radiations, the more chances are of genetic mutation.
Mobile tower radiations may not be totally avoidable since mobile phones are now a necessary component of our lives due to the requirement for connectivity. We are constantly exposed to the radiofrequency electromagnetic field because of our close contact with this versatile wireless technology. The result is increased stress and weariness, irritability, unsatisfactory sleep, headaches, and numerous other immediate problems. The location of the mobile tower may occasionally be forced upon us due to technological limitations in the wirelessly connected environment.
Impact on Birds
Birds have a larger body-to-weight ratio than humans, so they absorb more radiation. Additionally, the fluid content in the bird’s body is less, so it gets heated up very quickly. As a result of weak electromagnetic fields, birds become disoriented and fly in all directions, harming their natural navigational abilities. Mobile phone towers emit invisible electromagnetic fields and radiations that continue to endanger the local wildlife, especially birds. The variety of bird species is declining overall. As a result, it is crucial to pay close attention to the trends that have been noticed and choose a sustainable development strategy for the preservation of bird species. There is a high probability of mobile tower radiations proving disastrous for birds in the long run.
The impact on bird reproductive success is the most likely reason for the overall population loss in birds caused by mobile and cell phone base stations. Numerous birds, including pigeons, sparrows, and swans, are becoming disoriented as a result of interference from the mobile tower, or “unseen enemy”. Recent studies have also shown that animals kept close to mobile towers are more vulnerable to a variety of health problems, including stillbirths, spontaneous abortions, birth defects, behavioral issues, and a general decline in health.
Impact on Plants
Through modifications to cytogenetic structure, and physiological, and metabolic processes, cell phone radiation had an impact on plant growth and development. It was observed that the radiations emitted from mobile phones showed a considerable increase in the germination percentage, seedling length, proteins, lipid, and Guaiacol content in comparison to control seeds. This is a direct effect of mobile tower radiations. The germination process of significant staple crops is affected by electromagnetic radiation from 2G and 3G cell phones, according to the current study.
Increased knowledge of the possible risks posed by the electromagnetic fields radiated by adjacent cell towers has coincided with an increase in the use of mobile phones. Researchers from university telecommunication engineering departments studied the effects of cell phone radiation on plants, fruits, and vegetables. They came to the conclusion that their plants were wrinkled and lifeless compared to typical plants. When mobile phones decompose in landfills, toxic substances may be discharged or exposed, potentially poisoning the ground and water supplies.
Conclusion
There are currently a number of mobile phone networks available, including 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G and now 5G. All living things are harmed by the radiation that cell phones generate. Human cancer has been linked to radiation from mobile phones. Furthermore, they are detrimental to plant life. RFRs have been shown in numerous studies to impair the proper operation of plant cells, enzymes, and compounds.
The biota, which includes people, animals, plants, and the landscape as a whole, can be significantly impacted by the release of cell phone waste into the environment. Scientists have gained a better understanding of the risks to human health by investigating the effects of mobile phone radiation on rats. Extensive research can assist in developing generic remedies to reduce and stop such harmful impacts on plants.