Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity: Evidence for a Novel Neurological Syndrome
McCarty DE, Carrubba S, Chesson AL, Frilot C, Gonzalez-Toledo E, Marino AA · 2011
View Original AbstractControlled testing proves electromagnetic hypersensitivity causes measurable symptoms at power-line strength fields, validating EHS as a real neurological condition.
Plain English Summary
Scientists tested a doctor claiming electromagnetic hypersensitivity using 60 Hz electric fields in a double-blind study. She developed headaches, muscle twitching, and heart irregularities within 100 seconds of exposure, proving electromagnetic hypersensitivity can be a measurable neurological condition.
Why This Matters
This groundbreaking study represents a significant shift in how we should view electromagnetic hypersensitivity. For years, the medical establishment has largely dismissed EHS as psychological, but this research demonstrates measurable, reproducible physical responses to EMF exposure under controlled conditions that eliminate placebo effects. The 300 V/m exposure level used is particularly relevant because it matches what you might encounter living near power lines or in areas with significant electrical infrastructure. What makes this study especially compelling is that the subject couldn't consciously detect the field presence, yet her body responded consistently with symptoms appearing within 100 seconds of exposure. The finding that field transitions (turning on and off) caused more severe reactions than continuous exposure also provides important clues about the biological mechanisms involved. This research validates the experiences of the growing number of people reporting EHS symptoms and suggests we need to take these reports seriously rather than dismissing them as purely psychological.
Exposure Details
- Electric Field
- 300 V/m
- Source/Device
- 60 Hz
Exposure Context
This study used 300 V/m for electric fields:
- 1Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.3 V/m
Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.
Study Details
We sought direct evidence that acute exposure to environmental-strength electromagnetic fields (EMFs) could induce somatic reactions (EMF hypersensitivity).
The subject, a female physician self-diagnosed with EMF hypersensitivity, was exposed to an average ...
In a double-blinded EMF provocation procedure specifically designed to minimize unintentional sensor...
EMF hypersensitivity can occur as a bona fide environmentally inducible neurological syndrome.
Show BibTeX
@article{de_2011_electromagnetic_hypersensitivity_evidence_for_498,
author = {McCarty DE and Carrubba S and Chesson AL and Frilot C and Gonzalez-Toledo E and Marino AA},
title = {Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity: Evidence for a Novel Neurological Syndrome},
year = {2011},
doi = {10.3109/00207454.2011.608139},
url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/00207454.2011.608139},
}