Radio-frequency exposure of the yellow fever mosquito (A. aegypti) from 2 to 240 GHz

Abstract

Fifth generation networks (5G) will be associated with a partial shift to higher carrier frequencies, including wavelengths comparable in size to insects. This may lead to higher absorption of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) by insects and could cause dielectric heating. The yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), a vector for diseases such as yellow and dengue fever, favors warm climates. Being exposed to higher frequency RF EMFs causing possible dielectric heating, could have an influence on behavior, physiology and morphology, and could be a possible factor for introduction of the species in regions where the yellow fever mosquito normally does not appear. In this study, the influence of far field RF exposure on A. aegypti was examined between 2 and 240 GHz. Using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations, the distribution of the electric field in and around the insect and the absorbed RF power were found for six different mosquito models (three male, three female). The 3D models were created from micro-CT scans of real mosquitoes. The dielectric properties used in the simulation were measured from a mixture of homogenized A. aegypti. For a given incident RF power, the absorption increases with increasing frequency between 2 and 90 GHz with a maximum between 90 and 240 GHz. The absorption was maximal in the region where the wavelength matches the size of the mosquito. For a same incident field strength, the power absorption by the mosquito is 16 times higher at 60 GHz than at 6 GHz. The higher absorption of RF power by future technologies can result in dielectric heating and potentially influence the biology of this mosquito.

Far-Field Numerical Radio-Frequency Dosimetry of Insects

“…We found that in general the frequency of maximal absorption decreases with insect volume. These results are in line with what was found for vertebrates in [20] and what was found for the smaller subsets studied in [1], [2], [17]. When considering a constant incident field strength, the maximal, average Pabs found for a particular insect increases with volume.…”

“…When considering far-field exposure, all of the studied insects show a similar trend in average Pabs as function of frequency. There is a strong increase in Pabs from sub-GHz frequencies up to a maximum located at 6 GHz or higher, after that there is a stabilization or a slight decrease in Pabs [1], [2], [17]. Fig.…”

“…In order to estimate these parameters for insects, we have executed and a literature review of previous studies that measured of dielectric properties of insects in the RF range [13]- [16]. Additionally, we have also performed our own measurements of dielectric properties of the Yellow Fever Mosquito (Aedes aegypti) with a dielectric assessment kit for thin layers, using a methodology described in [17].…”

“…We used dielectric properties from literature (see Table II) for all studied insects, except for the mosquitoes for which we used our own measurements. More information on the precise simulation settings can be found in [1], [2], [17]. All these simulations lead to a distribution of internal electric fields ( ) within the studied insect.…”

Biological Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields above 100 MHz on Fauna and Flora: Workshop Report

“…For a given incident power, the absorption increased with increasing frequency between 2 and 90 GHz with a peak between 90 and 240 GHz. The authors conclude that higher absorption of RF power by future technologies can result in dielectric heating and potentially influence the biology of this mosquito ( De Borre et al 2021 ).…”