Electrohipersensibilidad

Electrohypersensitivity

I want to share with you this article based on information provided by EFEIA, which explains in detail what electrohypersensitivity (EHS) is.

This health problem, increasingly common worldwide, remains difficult for most healthcare workers to understand. It is essential to shed light on this condition in order to improve understanding and support for people with the condition.

Electrohypersensitivity: a look at electromagnetic field sensitivity

Electrohypersensitivity (EHS), also known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity, is an increasingly recognised condition affecting people who experience sensitivity or allergy to electromagnetic fields (EMF). This sensitivity manifests itself through a variety of symptoms, from mild to extremely severe, which can worsen pre-existing health conditions.

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What is electrohypersensitivity?

Electrohypersensitivity is a condition in which individuals exhibit adverse reactions to electromagnetic fields, even at levels well below the maximum permitted by international radiation safety standards. EHS sufferers report a range of health problems that they attribute to EMF exposure. These symptoms can be so debilitating that some people are forced to radically change their lifestyle, avoiding EMFs as much as possible and even stopping work.

Common symptoms

Symptoms of EHS vary considerably between individuals, but the most common include:

  • Dermatological: Redness, tingling and burning sensation of the skin.
  • Neurological: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, irritability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, tremors and muscle spasms.
  • Cardiac: palpitations, arrhythmias, chest pain or pressure and fluctuating blood pressure.
  • Hearing: squeaking, buzzing or hearing loss.
  • Respiratory: Sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma.
  • Ophthalmological: Pain or burning in the eyes, deterioration of vision and cataracts.
  • Other: Digestive problems, abdominal pain, sexual dysfunction, dry mouth and eyes, and nosebleeds.

Electrohypersensitivity

Recognition and protection

In some countries, EHS has been recognised as a functional impairment. A notable example is Sweden, where this condition is considered a functional disability, giving those affected maximum legal protection and financial support. This protection includes free accessibility measures, government subsidies and the possibility of forming disability organisations.

Bhital. International resolutions

Initiatives and studies

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has taken steps to understand and address EHS. In October 2004, it organised a seminar in Prague together with the National Reference Laboratory for Non-Ionising Radiation and the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic. This event brought together experts to review the current state of knowledge on EHS and provide useful information for those affected.

In addition, EFEIA is actively working on data collection through a Global EHS Census. This effort aims to shed light on the prevalence and effects of EHS, as well as to find practical solutions for those affected.

The role of Dr. Olle Johansson

One of the leading advocates for the recognition of EHS is Dr. Olle Johansson, a world leading authority in the field of EMF radiation and its health effects. Dr Johansson coined the term “screen dermatitis” and has been instrumental in the recognition of EHS as a functional disorder. Their work has been crucial in getting electrohypersensitive people the recognition and protection they need.

Conclusion

Electrohypersensitivity is a real and debilitating condition for many people around the world. Although more research is still needed to fully understand its mechanisms and effects, recognition and protection of those affected are crucial steps towards a more inclusive and equitable society. It is essential that health institutions, governments and communities work together to provide the necessary support and improve the quality of life of those suffering from this condition.

If you are a person with EHS and need help, you can ask for a free counselling appointment with me on WhatsApp 669 979 939.

 

 

 

Scientific articles on electrohypersensitivity

World Health Organisation (WHO)

  • Electromagnetic fields and public health: Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity. WHO Factsheet 296, 2005.

Studies and systematic reviews

  • Rubin, James; Das Munshi, J.; Wessely, Simon (Marzo-Abril 2005). “Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: a systematic review of provocation studies”. Psychosomatic Medicine, 67(2), pp. 224-232. doi:10.1097/01.psy.0000155664.13300.64. PMID 15784787.
  • Röösli, M. (Junio 2008). “Radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure and non-specific symptoms of ill health: a systematic review”. Environmental Research, 107(2), pp. 277-287. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2008.02.003. PMID 18359015.

International conferences and workshops

  • Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Proceedings. International Workshop on EMF Hypersensitivity, Praga, República Checa, Octubre 25-27, 2004.

Surveys and population-based studies

  • Roosli, Martin; Moser, M.; Baldinini, Y.; Meier, M.; Braun-Fahrlander, C. (Febrero 2004). “Symptoms of ill health ascribed to electromagnetic field exposure – a questionnaire survey”. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 207(2), pp. 141-150. doi:10.1078/1438-4639-00269. PMID 15031956.
  • Hillert, L.; Berglind, N.; Arnetz, BB; Bellander, T. (Febrero 2002). “Prevalence of self-reported hypersensitivity to electric or magnetic fields in a population-based questionnaire survey”. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 28(1), pp. 33-41. PMID 11871850.

Reviews and reports

  • Irvine, N. (2005). “Definition, epidemiology and management of electrical sensitivity”. Report for the Radiation Protection Division of the UK Health Protection Agency, HPA-RPD-010.
  • Levitt, B. Blake. (1995). Electromagnetic Fields. San Diego: Harcourt Brace & Company. pp. 181-218.

Studies on symptoms and health

  • Carlsson, F.; Karlson, B.; Orbaek, P.; Osterberg, K.; Ostergren, PO. (Julio 2005). “Prevalence of annoyance attributed to electrical equipment and smells in a Swedish population, and relationship with subjective health and daily functioning”. Public Health, 119(7), pp. 568-577. doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2004.07.011. PMID 15925670.
  • Real, William; Pan, Yagn; Yenyves, Ervin; Sujisawa, Iehiko; Suyama, Hideo; Samadi, Nasrola; Ross, Gerald. (1991). “Electromagnetic field sensitivity”. Journal of Bioelectricity, 10, pp. 241-256.

Neurophysiology and electrical sensitivity

  • Lyskov, E.; Sandström, M.; Hansson Mild, K. (Noviembre 2001). “Neurophysiological study of patients with perceived ‘electrical hypersensitivity'”. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 42(3), pp. 233-241. doi:10.1016/S0167-8760(01)00141-6. PMID 11812390.
  • Landgrebe, M.; Hauser, S.; Langguth, B.; Frick, U.; Hajak, G.; Eichhammer, P. (Marzo 2007). “Altered cortical excitability in subjectively electrosensitive patients: results of a pilot study”. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 62(3), pp. 283-288. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2006.11.007. PMID 17324677.
  • Sandström, M.; Lyskov, E.; Berglund, A.; Medvedev, S.; Mild, KH. (Enero 1997). “Neurophysiological effects of flickering light in patients with perceived electrical hypersensitivity”. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 39(1), pp. 15-22. doi:10.1097/00043764-199701000-00006. PMID 9029427.

Studies on mobile telephony and EMF exposure

  • Eltiti, S.; Wallace, D.; Ridgewell, A.; et al. (November 2007). “Does Short-Term Exposure to Mobile Phone Base Station Signals Increase Symptoms in Individuals Who Report Sensitivity to Electromagnetic Fields? A Double-Blind Randomized Provocation Study”. Environmental Health Perspectives, 115(11), pp. 1603-1608. doi:10.1289/ehp.10286. PMID 18007992.
  • Regel, Sabine; Negovetic, Sonja; Roosli, Martin; Berdinas, Veronica; Schuderer, Jurgen; Huss, Anke; Lott, Urs; Kuster, Niels; Achermann, Peter. (August 2006). “UMTS Base Station-like Exposure, Well-Being, and Cognitive Performance”. Environmental Health Perspectives, 114(8), pp. 1270-1275. doi:10.1289/ehp.8934. PMID 16882538. PMC 1552030.
  • Rubin, James; Hahn, G.; Everitt, BS; Clear, AJ; Wessely, Simon. (2006). “Are some people sensitive to mobile phone signals? Within participants double blind randomised provocation study”. British Medical Journal, 332(7546), pp. 886-889. doi:10.1136/bmj.38765.519850.55. PMID 16520326. PMC 1440612.
  • Wilen, J.; Johansson, A.; Kalezic, N.; Lyskov, E.; Sandstrom, M. (Abril 2006). “Psychophysiological tests and provocation of subjects with mobile phone related symptoms”. Bioelectromagnetics, 27(3), pp. 204-214. doi:10.1002/bem.20195. PMID 16304699.

Additional support and resources

Other relevant studies

  • Schreier, N.; Huss, A.; Röösli, M. (2006). “The prevalence of symptoms attributed to electromagnetic field exposure: a cross-sectional representative survey in Switzerland”. Sozial- und Präventivmedizin, 51(4), pp. 202-209. doi:10.1007/s00038-006-5061-2. PMID 17193782.
  • Eltiti, S.; Wallace, D.; Zougkou, K.; et al. (Febrero 2007). “Development and evaluation of the electromagnetic hypersensitivity questionnaire”. Bioelectromagnetics, 28(2), pp. 137-151. doi:10.1002/bem.20279. PMID 17013888.
  • Bergqvist, U.; Vogel, E.; Aringer, L.; Cunningham, J.; Gobba, F.; Leitgeb, N.; Miro, L.; Neubauer, G.; Ruppe, I.; Vecchia, P.; Wadman, C. (1997). “Possible health implications of subjective symptoms and electromagnetic fields. A report prepared by a European group of experts for the European Commission, DG V.” Arbete och Halsa, 19.