EHS SURVEY
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is the name give to the condition of having a sensitivity or allergy to electromagnetic fields, manifested in several symptoms and worsening of pre-existing health conditions. Those who suffer from EHS report notable adverse reactions to electromagnetic fields at intensities well below the maximum levels permitted by international radiation safety standards.
The World Health Organization reports that individuals have reported a variety of health problems that they relate to exposure to EMF. Symptoms vary from mild to very severe, causing individuals to go from avoiding EMF as much as possible, to even cease work and change their entire lifestyle.
In October 2004 in Prague, the WHO in collaboration with The National Reference Laboratory for Non-Ionizing Radiation, and the Health Ministry of Czech Republic, arranged a seminar and working group to meet and discuss EMF Hypersensitivity. The aim of the conference was to review the current state of knowledge, know the opinions of the conference participants, and provide information to help people with such symptoms.
the WHO International Seminar
and Working Group meeting on EMF Hypersensitivity
EHS is described as a variety of symptoms depending on how sensitive the individual has become to exposure to EMF. The most common symptoms are dermatological symptoms (redness, tingling, and burning sensations), neurasthenic and vegetative symptoms (fatigue, tiredness, concentration difficulties, dizziness, nausea, heart palpitation, and digestive disturbances).
EFEIA is actively working on collecting data through a Global EHS Census in order to shed light on this matter, and find real solutions for these indivisuals. We, as many experts in the field, promote the adoption of EHS as a functional impairment.
This is how Dr. Olle Johansson defined this term in his publication below.
Electrohypersensitivity: a functional impairment
In Sweden, electrohypersensitivity is recognized as a functional impairment, which implies that only the environment is the culprit. The Swedish view provides electrohypersensitive individuals maximum legal protection, gives them a right to get accessibility measures for free, as well as governmental subsidies and economic support, special public mediators, the right and economic means to create disability organizations, and allows them to be part of national and international counterparts. All of this with the single aim to allow individuals with this functional imparment to live a dignified life in a society based on equality.
Olle Johansson is a world-leading authority in the field of EMF radiation and health effects. Among many achievements, he coined the term ”screen dermatitis” which later on was developed into the functional impairment electrohypersensitivity which recognition mainly is due to his work. He has also been a guest professor as well as an adjunct professor in basic and clinical neuroscience at the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms in electrohypersensitive individuals are Headaches, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, sleep disorders, insomnia, irritability, anxiety or depression, memory loss, altered reflexes, pain pangs, sexual dysfunction, infertility, heart arrhythmias, unstable pulse, and blood pressure
Auditory
Chirping, buzzing, or ringing in the ears; hearing loss
Respiratory
Sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma
Dermatological
Skin rash, itching, burning, facial flushing
Ophthalmologic
Pain or burning in the eyes, pressure in/behind the eyes, deteriorating vision, floaters, cataracts
Neurological
Headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, irritability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, weakness, tremors, muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, altered reflexes, muscle and joint pain, leg/foot pain, “flu-like” symptoms, fever. More severe reactions can include seizures, paralysis, psychosis and stroke.
Cardiac
Palpitations, arrhythmias, pain or pressure in the chest, low or high blood pressure, slow or fast heart rate, shortness of breath.
Others
Digestive problems; abdominal pain; enlarged thyroid, testicular/ovarian pain; sexual dysfunction; dryness of lips, tongue, mouth, eyes; great thirst; dehydration; nosebleeds; internal bleeding; elevated blood sugar; immune system abnormalities; redistribution of metals within the body; hair loss; pain in the teeth; deteriorating fillings; impaired sense of smell.