Name: _____________________________________________
Grade & Section: ___________________________________
Date: _________________________
Teacher: ______________________
Activity No. 2
EFFECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION ON LIVING THINGS AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
Directions: Read and analyze the article below on the various effects of electromagnetic radiation
in the environment and other living things. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Electromagnetic Radiation: Environmental Indicators in Our Surroundings
All living tissues have magnetic properties that are affected to some extent by the
existence of electromagnetic radiation in the environment. Therefore, all living
creatures including plants, microbes, animals, and humans are environmental indicators of
exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Radiation is the process through which energy travels in
the form of waves or particles through space or some other medium. Electromagnetic radiation is
the propagation of waves that have an electric (E) and a magnetic (H) field component. Biological
cell proliferation and differentiation can be affected by both AC and DC magnetic fields. Radio
frequency and microwave wavelengths can be made to carry information via amplitude,
frequency, and phase modulation, such as data from television, mobile phones, wireless
networking, and amateur radio.
Chromosomal damage is a mechanism relevant to causation of birth defects and cancer.
Long-term continuous or daily repeated EMF exposure has been found to induce cellular stress
responses at non-thermal power levels that lead to an accumulation of DNA errors.
Comparative studies in animals that rely on electromagnetic orientation provide valuable
information. The effects of electromagnetic radiation on plants and animal life include the
diminished radial growth of pine trees, lowered density of bird species and mammals, such as
storks, sparrows and bats, effects on bees, effects on magnetic-based homing mechanisms of
birds, and many other effects.
Plants and animals can be monitored as environmental indicators to assess the effects of
electromagnetic radiation.
Adapted from: Environmental Indicators by: Yael Stein and Osmo Hänninen, 2014
1.Can living things serve as an indicator of exposure to electromagnetic radiation? Why?
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2. Explain the process of electromagnetic radiation.
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3. Based on the article, what are some of the advantages that can be given by radio frequency
and microwaves?
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4. How about the disadvantages or the negative effects of EM radiation? Cite some examples.
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5. As a conclusion, explain whether EM radiation is beneficial or harmful to the environment
and the living things. Support your idea by giving some points.
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