Cell Phones: Destroying the Bees and our Health?
Wednesday, October 15th, 2008I love bees, they are beautiful, entertaining to watch, and they give us honey. Not having them in our lives would be incredibly sad…not to mention an absolute disaster!
Bee colonies are disappearing in worrying numbers across the globe. Beekeepers in America, the UK, Scotland, Germany Switzerland, Spain, Portugal and Greece are all seeing their hives vanish in worrying numbers.
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is when a hive’s inhabitants suddenly disappear, leaving only queens, eggs and a few immature workers. Usually there is an obvious reason for the collapse, such as sickness or a predator attack. However, in this current epidemic, there doesn’t seem to be a straight forward answer.
Furthermore, many of the beekeepers also reported that other bees, animals and moths stayed away from the abandoned nests, which is not what normally happens. This may indicate a very serious problem.
Bees are arguably one of the most essential insects on the human food chain. Most of the world’s crops depend on pollination by bees. They are the main pollinator of hundreds of types of crops, nuts, flowers, vegetables and fruits. The implication of this widespread disappearance is alarming. And what on earth would we do without honey???
Albert Einstein once said that if the bees disappeared, “man would have only four years of life left”.
Possible Reasons for the Dying Bee Populations
There is no conclusive reason that this is happening. Theories include genetically modified foods, pesticides, stress and global warming.
But one of the most popular theories is that electromagnetic radiation given off by cell phones and other hi-tech gadgets is causing this worrying phenomenon. The theory is that radiation from interferes with bees’ navigation systems, preventing them from finding their way back to the hive, which is a hallmark trait of bees.
And there is actual evidence to back this up. German research has long shown that bees change their natural patterns of behavior near power lines.
In addition, a study at Landau University has found that bees do not go back to their hives when cell phones are placed nearby. Dr Jochen Kuhn, who carried it out, said this could provide a “hint” to a possible cause.
Cell Phones and Humans
So if mobile phones are causing bees to disappear, what are they doing to our health?
While proof is not absolutely conclusive, there is mounting evidence that cell phones are dangerous to people.
Most research on cancer is still too early to set in stone. But an official Finnish study found that people who used the phones for more than 10 years were 40 per cent more likely to get a brain tumor on the same side as they held the handset.
Swedish research has shown that radiation from cell phones kill off brain cells. This is incredibly worrying, and may be one of the many reasons that dementia is on the rise. Furthermore, we have no idea what will be the fate of all the young people today who are the first generation to have their own cell phones and use them regularly.
Most experts warn that children under eight should not use cells under any circumstances.
Studies in India and the US have shown that men who use cell phones very regularly have reduced sperm counts.
Last but not least, there is actually a new syndrome that is increasingly being seen by doctors which is a sort of texting Repetitive Strain Disorder (RSI) of the thumb.
What Can We Do?
Even if we choose to not have a cell phone ourselves, the mobiles are all around us causing us stress. But choosing to use the land line as much as possible and ensuring that children don’t use them is a good start.
Eating a diet that is seriously high in antioxidants is another huge stride in warding off the affects of cell phones. They are what protect us against cellular damage from all environmental toxins. Raw cacao, pomegranates, blueberries, and broccoli sprouts are some of the most antioxidant rich foods.
Having plenty of plants around is said to soak up radiation in houses.
There are a number of devices out there to that have been said to protect against electromagnetic radiation. These may come in the form of necklaces you can wear and gadgets you stick on your phone. Most of them are not scientifically proven, but many people claim they feel much better when wearing them.
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