Abstract
Lack of confirmation of symptoms attributed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and triggered by EMF exposure has highlighted the role of individual factors. Prior observations indicate intolerance to other types of environmental exposures among persons with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). This study assessed differences in odor and noise intolerance between persons with EHS and healthy controls by use of subscales and global measures of the Chemical Sensitivity Scale (CSS) and the Noise Sensitivity Scale (NSS). The EHS group scored significantly higher than the controls on all CSS and NSS scales. Correlation coefficients between CSS and NSS scores ranged from 0.60 to 0.65 across measures. The findings suggest an association between EHS and odor and noise intolerance, encouraging further investigation of individual factors for understanding EMF-related symptoms.
Highlights
Symptoms attributed to electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure are regarded as a subtype of idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI)
IEI is a generic term incorporating disorders attributed to the exposure to environmental factors at levels that are below known limits for toxicity, tolerated by the majority of persons, and that are not explained by other somatic or psychiatric conditions [1]
Individuals who based on a general question reported symptoms that they associated with use of mobile phones (MP), computer monitors or electrical equipment in general were invited to participate through advertisement in eight Swedish newspapers with potential to reach a large proportion of persons living in Sweden
Summary
Symptoms attributed to electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure are regarded as a subtype of idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI). IEI is a generic term incorporating disorders attributed to the exposure to environmental factors at levels that are below known limits for toxicity, tolerated by the majority of persons, and that are not explained by other somatic or psychiatric conditions [1]. Afflicted persons commonly attribute their symptoms to mobile phones (MP), computer monitors, or electrical equipment in general. These intolerances are here referred to as perceived electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). No direct association between EMF exposure and symptoms has been demonstrated. The importance of individual factors has been emphasized, and associations between
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