Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study, review/survey)

[On the Phenomenon of Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity] med./bio.

Das Phänomen der Elektrosensibilität

Published in: Umweltmed Forsch Prax 2002; 7 (1): 7-16

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The article gives an extended overview over the situation of the electromagnetic hypersensitivity issue in relation to electromagnetic field research in the international scientific community.

Background/further details

The first part of the article deals with the biophysical fundamental knowledge of interactions between electromagnetic fields and biological systems including threshold values. Then hypothetical mechanisms of action of electromagnetic fields are demonstrated, with a special focus on the melatonin hypothesis. Additionally, in the context of biomedical research into disorders of well-being an analysis of written and telephone questions about the electromagnetic field issue which are sent to the centre of electropahtology was conducted (Witten/Herdecke, Germany). Results of an experimental approach are presented (20 women and 9 men participated).

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: intermittent, 2 min field on/off intervals followed by 3 min field off, 20 intervals altogether

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
  • unspecified
Exposure duration intermittent, 2 min field on/off intervals followed by 3 min field off, 20 intervals altogether
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber 10 m² screened laboratory equipped with a coil.
Setup The test person was located in the center of the coil.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 10 µT unspecified measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The hit rate of the control group was not significantly different from that of the electromagnetic hypersensitivity group.

Study character:

Study funded by

Related articles