ARPANSA begins world-first review of radio wave environmental impacts

In another world first, ARPANSA and Swinburne University have joined forces to produce a systematic map of the scientific evidence into the impact of radio waves on the environment.

The proposed protocol for the systematic map has been published in the Environmental Evidence Journal, outlining how the map will collate all the available evidence on the impact of radio waves.

The map will include peer-reviewed and grey literature published in English and will cover studies performed in the natural environment (in situ) and in a laboratory, cage, aquarium etc (ex situ).

‘There is a great need for a systematic collation of all the available evidence on whether radio waves have a negative impact on animals and plants in the environment,’ said Associate Professor Ken Karipidis, Assistant Director, Health Impact Assessment at ARPANSA.

Current international guidelines are designed to protect human health and there are currently no recognised international guidelines to specifically protect animals and plants from radio waves.

‘This map will help identify any gaps in research and may help lay the groundwork for future international guidelines to protect the environment,’ said Associate Professor Ken Karipidis.

The systematic map is being delivered under ARPANSA’s Electromagnetic Energy (EME) Program, which aims to promote health and safety and address misinformation about EME emissions.

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