Stephen J. Genuis a
, Christopher T. Lipp baUniversity of Alberta, CanadabFaculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary, Canada
Received 9 September 2011,
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Abstract
As the prevalence of wireless telecommunication escalates throughout the world, health professionals are faced with the challenge of patients who report symptoms they claim are connected with exposure to some frequencies of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Some scientists and clinicians acknowledge the phenomenon of hypersensitivity to EMR resulting from common exposures such as wireless systems and electrical devices in the home or workplace; others suggest that electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is psychosomatic or fictitious. Various organizations including the World Health Organization as well as some nation states are carefully exploring this clinical phenomenon in order to better explain the rising prevalence of non-specific, multi-system, often debilitating symptoms associated with non-ionizing EMR exposure. As well as an assortment of physiological complaints, patients diagnosed with EHS also report profound social and personal challenges, impairing their ability to function normally in society. This paper offers a review of the sparse literature on this perplexing condition and a discussion of the controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the EHS diagnosis. Recommendations are provided to assist health professionals in caring for individuals complaining of EHS.
Highlights
► Many people report symptoms when near devices emanating electromagnetic fields(EMF). ► Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) research has generated conflicting outcomes. ► Recent evidence suggests pathophysiological change in some individuals with EHS. ► EHS patients consistently report profound social and personal challenges. ► Clinicians need to be apprised of the EHS condition and potential interventions.
Introduction
In the early years of the 21st century, there are increasing reports throughout the world of individuals and clusters of people complaining of various clinical symptoms in response to minimal exposure to everyday levels of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Some individuals experience difficulty around wireless systems, when using cordless or cell phones, when exposed to some types of artificial light, or in response to various other common electromagnetic exposures. Once exposed, such vulnerable individuals often develop a variety of symptoms involving various organ systems. Although originally thought to be psychogenic in origin, such symptoms are being reported by ever-increasing numbers of previously healthy individuals (Hallberg and Oberfeld, 2006) — a phenomenon which has generated a closer assessment of the origins of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) complaints.
In this paper, a review of the emerging literature related to the perplexing EHS condition will be presented along with a case history detailing the development of EHS and subsequent recovery in an otherwise healthy individual. Consideration of physical, psychological and social aspects of this disorder will be presented. As well as an exploration of the polarizing debate that surrounds the EHS issue, recommendations are provided as to how clinicians might empower patients with EHS to regain their health and improve their wellbeing.
Section snippets
Background
The surge of wireless telecommunication throughout the world is provoking many people to question whether various EMR frequencies can have adverse effects on human health. It is widely accepted that ionizing high-frequency radiation from X-rays or emissions from radioactive materials are hazardous, with high energy levels capable of harming humans; (Ramirez et al., 2005, Brenner et al., 2003) the detrimental impact of non-ionizing radiation on humans, however, is not widely accepted.
A variety
Management of electromagnetic hypersensitivity
With appropriate care, it is possible for patients with EHS to improve considerably and be restored to normal functioning. By understanding the pathway to the development of SRI, by practicing avoidance of triggers and further toxicant exposure, and by instituting appropriate therapeutic measures when necessary, patients consistently improve. An overall environmental approach to managing exposure related illness, such as EHS, is depicted in Fig. 3 (Genuis, 2010a). Details of this management
Case history of electromagnetic hypersensitivity
A 35 year-old previously healthy, well-educated and highly functioning married mother of two children noticed an abrupt decline in her health and ability to function within three weeks of moving into a newly renovated house. She developed progressive fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive decline, anxiety, and uncharacteristic memory impairment — to the point where she forgot to pick up her children from elementary school on multiple occasions. Despite seeing multiple physicians and undergoing…
Quality of life considerations
For individuals suffering from EHS, there are a number of issues that consistently arise. A major challenge of EHS is the imperceptible nature of EMR to otherwise healthy people. The absence of perceptible stimuli inclines physicians, family members, friends, employers, and insurance companies to classify the symptoms of EHS as psychogenic or psychiatric in origin (Rubin et al., 2010, Kanaan et al., 2007, Das-Munshi et al., 2006, Rubin et al., 2011). As a result, patients with EHS frequently…
Debate about the legitimacy of electromagnetic hypersensitivity
Despite increasing reports in the world literature recognizing EHS as a legitimate clinical entity, (World Health Organization, 2011a, McCarty et al., 2011, Havas et al., 2010, Havas, 2000, World Health Organization, 2011b, Chemical Sensitivity Network, 2011) many people remain skeptical about the veracity of the idea that a subsection of the population experiences illness and disability as a result of intolerance of ordinary everyday levels of EMR (Levallois, 2002). Some consider the EHS…
Conclusion
Over the last 50 years, there has been an anthropogenic electromagnetic revolution with the widespread release of electronic equipment, wireless systems, electrical machines as well as pervasive high voltage power lines and telecommunication emitters; in the next 50 years we will begin to witness the consequences of these developments. We have an ethical responsibility to define the impact of such technology on the human organism and to develop methodologies to investigate and manage adverse…
Acknowledgment
Sincere thanks to Angela Hobbs for her kind assistance and contribution to the development of this paper. We are also very grateful to Dr. Meg Sears and Dr. Don Hillman for invaluable recommendations on the final draft.
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There are no conflicts of interest. No funding has been received for any part of this work.View full text
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