Although official government agencies and the telecommunications industry keep reporting studies proving there are no adverse health reactions to electronic smog, the World Health Organization (WHO) seems to be taking electromagnetic pollution and its subsequent result of electrical sensitivity quite seriously, as it has released a fact sheet on Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity that holds governments responsible for educating citizens as to the possible health hazards associated with electromagnetic fields.
The WHO EMF Sensitivity Fact Sheet begins by addressing the growing amount of EMF fields that people are being exposed to on a daily basis.
“As societies industrialize and the technological revolution continues, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number and diversity of electromagnetic field (EMF) sources. These sources include video display units (VDUs) associated with computers, mobile phones and their base stations. While these devices have made our life richer, safer and easier, they have been accompanied by concerns about possible health risks due to their EMF emissions.
For some time a number of individuals have reported a variety of health problems that they relate to exposure to EMF. While some individuals report mild symptoms and react by avoiding the fields as best they can, others are so severely affected that they cease work and change their entire lifestyle. This reputed sensitivity to EMF has been generally termed “electromagnetic hypersensitivity” or EHS.”
The WHO Fact Sheet goes on to compare Electrical Sensitivity to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, noting that both cause a wide-range of non-specific symptoms.
“EHS resembles multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), another disorder associated with low-level environmental exposures to chemicals. Both EHS and MCS are characterized by a range of non-specific symptoms that lack apparent toxicological or physiological basis or independent verification. ”
“EHS is characterized by a variety of non-specific symptoms, which afflicted individuals attribute to exposure to EMF. The symptoms most commonly experienced include dermatological symptoms (redness, tingling, and burning sensations) as well as neurasthenic and vegetative symptoms (fatigue, tiredness, concentration difficulties, dizziness, nausea, heart palpitation, and digestive disturbances). The collection of symptoms is not part of any recognized syndrome.”
The WHO Fact Sheet gives an estimation of the percentage of the population believed to be suffering from EMF Sensitivity. They note that one study estimated only a few individuals per million, while another study found the number to be considerably higher, with 10% of those reported cases of electrical sensitivity said to be “severe”.
The WHO conclude by stating that;
“EHS is characterized by a variety of non-specific symptoms that differ from individual to individual. The symptoms are certainly real and can vary widely in their severity. Whatever its cause, EHS can be a disabling problem for the affected individual.”
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