Epidemiological study (observational study)

Electromagnetic hypersensitive Finns: Symptoms, perceived sources and treatments, a questionnaire study epidem.

By: Hagström M, Auranen J, Ekman R

Published in: Pathophysiology 2013; 20 (2): 117-122

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The subjective experiences of Finns who describe themselves as suffering from electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), their symptoms, self-perceived sources of the health complaints and the effectiveness of medical and complementary alternative therapies were analyzed in a survey.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

electromagnetic hypersensitivity: 68 different symptoms, e.g. stress, sleep disorder, fatigue, concentration problems, memory problems, anxiety, muscle tension, skin problems, heart complaints

Type of risk estimation:

prevalence

Exposure

- 50/60 Hz
- electric field
- magnetic field
- EMF general
- also other exposures without EMF
- power transmission line
- PC/TV monitor
- other domestic appliance
- microw. oven/heating device
- mobile communications
- mobile phone
- mobile phone base station
- GSM
- residential
- personal

Assessment

questionnaire: selection of 50 electrical devices and sources which might be associated with the EHS symptoms; device or source they first associated with the onset of health complaints

Population

Group:
- men
- women
Age: 27–98 years
Characteristics: members of a self-help group and electrosensible persons who heard of the study and asked to participate
Observation period: July 2011 - January 2012
Study location: Finland

Study size

Type	Value
Total	395
Participants	206
Participation rate	52 %
Evaluable	194

Results (acc. to author)

157 of 194 (80.9%) respondents of the survey were women. Before the onset of EHS, the most common health complaints were different types of allergies (35.1%). During the acute phase of EHS the most common symptoms were nervous system related: stress (60.3%), sleep disorders (59.3%), and fatigue (57.2%).
The sources that were most often reported to have triggered EHS were: personal computers (50.8%) and mobile phones (47.0%). The most common devices that were claimed to cause the most symptoms during the acute phase were: mobile phones (63.4%) and personal computer displays (61.3%). According to 76% of 157 respondents the reduction or avoidance of electromagnetic fields helped in their full or partial recovery.
The best treatments for EHS were given as: dietary change (efficiacy: 69.4%), nutritional supplements (67.8%) and increased physical exercise (61.6%). The official treatment recommendations of psychotherapy (2.6%) and medication (-4.2%) were not helpful.
The authors conclude that according to the present results the official treatment protocols should take better account the EHS person's own experiences. The avoidance of electromagnetic fields effectively removed or lessened the symptoms in EHS persons.

Study funded by

Kone Foundation, Finland

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