What is electromagnetic sensitivity, who does it affect, and how can someone protect themselves?
The World Health Organization EMF Project states the following about EMF’s
” Electromagnetic fields of all frequencies represent one of the most common and fastest growing environmental influences, about which anxiety and speculation are spreading. All populations are now exposed to varying degrees of EMF, and the levels will continue to increase as technology advances.
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity and depression
Some individuals report “hypersensitivity” to electric or magnetic fields. They ask whether aches and pains, headaches, depression, lethargy, sleeping disorders, and even convulsions and epileptic seizures could be associated with electromagnetic field exposure.
There is little scientific evidence to support the idea of electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Recent Scandinavian studies found that individuals do not show consistent reactions under properly controlled conditions of electromagnetic field exposure. Nor is there any accepted biological mechanism to explain hypersensitivity. Research on this subject is difficult because many other subjective responses may be involved, apart from direct effects of fields themselves. More studies are continuing on the subject. ”
Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, the former head of the WHO, was a medical doctor who served as the prime minister of Norway for ten years, and led the World Health Organization from 1998 to 2003. While she was at the WHO, she banned the use of cell phones in her office because, she said, they gave her headaches. For the most part, she declined to be interviewed about her electrosensitivity. and has long been the word’s best known electrosensitive. (Read more on Dr. Brundtland at Microwave News).
Millions world-wide now believe they are at least affected mildly by electromagnetic frequencies in the same manner Dr. Brundtland mentions or by other health related factors. There are many hundreds to thousands who cannot function in our society and account for their problems from EMF sources such as cell towers, power lines, cell phones, and more.
In 2008, we provide links to two known hospitals in the world that specialize in treating people who think they may be EMF sensitive. (One in the USA and one in the UK.)
We interviewed Dr. Rea of the Environmental Health Center of Dallas who answered the below questions and more in our article found here.
EMF SCIENCE: “At what point, and how, did the medical community determine that a problem was occurring within people biologically that lead them to decide that diagnosis and treatment was needed for problems related to electromagnetic sensitivity?”
Dr. Rea: “I didn’t know the medical community has recognized this. We look at symptoms, past history, and use several other diagnostics tests to help us determine if EMF sensitivity is a factor in their illness and presenting symptoms. However, there has been much literature dealing with animal studies and the effect of EMF on their health. I believe the EPA recognizes the impact that extreme exposure to high voltage lines can create.” Louis Slesin, of Microwave News, also has many articles dealing with the health effects of cell phones and electromagnetic fields. One overt clue to a person’s sensitivity is symptoms created in the patient by exposure to operating appliances, computers, etc.
EMF SCIENCE: “What are some of the major and common problems seen in patients that come to the EHCD for (ECT) treatments?”
DR. Rea: “We see fatigue, chemical sensitivity, headache, food and inhalant intolerances, immune problems, just a myriad of symptoms. In many instances the organ or system affected depends on medical history and environmental history of chemical or metal exposure.”
It appears that EMF’s can affect anyone of any age, race, or location where EMF’s are present. Removing yourself from a high EMF environment, eating a very healthy diet, and exercising regularly can help minimize the effects. Children and elderly are the most easily affected because they have the weakest immune systems to withstand the daily emf sources we all live with.
As usual with this subject the overall health, medical, and scientific community states we need more information to understand it better before they make an official opinion. Yet as mentioned millions continue to relate their medical problems to EMF’s while the debate continues.
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