TITLE/TOPICS

The Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation on Living

things and the Environment

ISTANDARDS
Content Standard:
The learners demonstrate an understanding of the different regions of the
electromagnetic spectrum
Performance Standard:
From learning the basics of forces in Grade 8, learners extend their
understanding of forces by describing how balanced and unbalanced forces, either by
solids or liquids, affect the movement, balance, and stability of objects.

Learning Objective:
⚫ At the end of the lesson, I should be able to:
1. compare the relative frequencies of different forms of
electromagnetic waves;
2. identify the relationship among wavelength, frequency and energy
of an electromagnetic wave.
Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC):
• Explain the effects of EM radiation on living things and the environment
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
To do well in this module, you need to remember and do the following:
1. Answer all the exercises and process questions completely.
2. Study the explanation well.
3. Supplement yourself with other learning materials when available
and necessary.
4. Write down your thoughts to help to process information.
5. Keep in mind that your success in this module depends on how much
effort you put into doing the activities in this module. Have fun!
MAP OF CONCEPTUAL CHANGE
What is electromagnetic wave?
What I know? What I want to know? What I’ve Learned?
LESSON/CONTENT

In our previous lesson you will learn about the different applications of each
electromagnetic wave which are essential in our daily living. This will make you to
value more the concepts behind why things work.
Waves in the electromagnetic spectrum include radio waves, microwaves, infrared,
visible light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and Gamma rays in order of decreasing
wavelength. The waves in the various regions in the EM spectrum share similar
properties but differ in wavelength, frequency, energy and method of production.

Study the activity. Follow the procedure before answering the questions.
Match the EM radiation in Column A with its application/uses in Column B.

FIRM UP
Learning Task 1: Read and analyze 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.

Radiofrequency 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?
2. Explain the process of electromagnetic radiation.
3. Based on the article, what are some of the advantages that can be given by radio
frequency and microwaves?
4. How about the disadvantages or the negative effects of EM radiation? Cite some
examples.
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.

DEEPEN
Learning Task 2: Read and answer the given questions after the article.
Benefits and Hazards of Electromagnetic Waves, Telecommunications, Physical
and Biomedical: A Review
S. Batool, A. Bibi, F. Frezza, F. Mangini

Electromagnetic Radiations
Radiations consist of both electric and magnetic fields. They are coming from natural
and manmade resources. EMR is present in some scenario of everyone’s life. Some of
the most common sources of electromagnetic fields that everybody experiences are the
solar radiation, the electric current that supplies household (Mobile Phone, Television
set, Wi-Fi, Microwave, Computer, etc.) and antennas for telecommunications. Artificial
resources are used to generate high-level electromagnetic radiations which may be
typically found in medical devices such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), laser
lithotripsy, X-ray Computed Tomography (CT), radiation therapy, chemotherapy,
immunotherapy, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) etc. In a residential
environment, the diffusion of the induction cooktop, hairdryers, cordless phones,
modems, routers, appliances, alarm system, etc. increases the possibility of domestic
exposure to magnetic fields. Nevertheless, electromagnetic fields can also be used for
the treatment of different diseases (e.g., cancer, kidney stones, gallstones, brain, liver
etc.) The practicality of above-described technologies is due to the range of frequencies
decreasing from ultra-high frequencies to extra low frequencies available in the
electromagnetic spectrum. This EMR spectrum includes ionizing and non-ionizing
radiations.

The health problems due to long-term effects of EMR from telecommunication and
biomedical devices have been addressed among the people all over the world. The
organizations like World Health Organization (WHO), Federal Communication
Commission (FCC), and International Commission on Non -Ionization Radiation
Protection (ICNIRP) have recommended some safety guidelines for the protection of
all living beings.
In the present review, we have examined several research papers, on living
beings like rats, cows, plants, and humans etc. By experimental strategies it
was
identified that long-term effects of EMR can possibly cause different diseases in a living
being. Even if all those people are attentive to the long-term effects of EMR hazard,
they may not have the other option to move away from it, if the cell phone, TV and FM
tower are installed near their houses, schools, public transports, and hospitals etc. But
the matter is controversial. Meanwhile, EMR has many advantages in biomedical and
telecommunication technologies. So, it is impossible for us to stop using these
radiations. However, researchers will try to find out the possible solutions, which may
be expensive. But we will easily reduce the health risk in all living being like humans,
animals, and birds.

INTEGRATION OF FAITH, VALUES, AND LEARNING

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
https://biblehub.com/habakkuk/3-4.htm

ASSESSMENT
True or False
Write T if the statement is True and F if it is False. Write your answers in a separate
sheet of paper.
1. Over-exposure to certain types of electromagnetic radiation can be harmful.
2. Gamma rays also damage cells, causing mutations (which may lead to cancer) and
cell death.
3. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is found naturally in sunlight.
4. X-rays can’t damage cells in the body.
5. Microwave radiation is absorbed by water molecules, so it can be used for cooking.

REFERENCES:
https://biblehub.com/habakkuk/3-4.htm
Adapted from: Environmental Indicators by: Yael Stein and Osmo Hänninen, 2014
Benefits and Hazards of Electromagnetic Waves, Telecommunications, Physical
and Biomedical: A Review
S. Batool, A. Bibi, F. Frezza, F. Mangini