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Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) and subjective health complaints associated with electromagnetic fields of mobile phone communication--a literature review published between 2000 and 2004.

No Effects Found

Seitz H, Stinner D, Eikmann T, Herr C, Röösli M. · 2005

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People claiming electromagnetic hypersensitivity cannot reliably detect mobile phone radiation, but study limitations prevent ruling out long-term health effects.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers reviewed 13 quality studies from 2000-2004 examining whether people who report electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) can actually detect mobile phone radiation and whether such exposure causes health symptoms. They found that people claiming EHS could not reliably detect when EMF was present, performing no better than random chance, and studies on general health symptoms from mobile phone exposure showed mixed results with significant methodological problems.

Study Details

The aim of this study is to investigate Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) and subjective health complaints associated with electromagnetic fields of mobile phone communication--a literature review published between 2000 and 2004.

. For each study, the design and quality were evaluated by means of a criteria list in order to judg...

Results of five randomised cross-over studies on impaired well-being due to mobile phone exposure we...

In conclusion, based on the limited studies available, there is no valid evidence for an association between impaired well-being and exposure to mobile phone radiation presently. However, the limited quantity and quality of research in this area do not allow to exclude long-term health effects definitely.

Cite This Study
Seitz H, Stinner D, Eikmann T, Herr C, Röösli M. (2005). Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) and subjective health complaints associated with electromagnetic fields of mobile phone communication--a literature review published between 2000 and 2004. Sci Total Environ. 349(1-3):45-55, 2005.
Show BibTeX
@article{h_2005_electromagnetic_hypersensitivity_ehs_and_3511,
  author = {Seitz H and Stinner D and Eikmann T and Herr C and Röösli M.},
  title = {Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) and subjective health complaints associated with electromagnetic fields of mobile phone communication--a literature review published between 2000 and 2004.},
  year = {2005},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15975631/},
}
PubMed: 15975631

Cited By (130 papers)

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Quick Questions About This Study

No, people claiming electromagnetic hypersensitivity cannot reliably detect when mobile phone radiation is present. A 2005 review of quality studies found that self-reported sensitive individuals performed no better than random chance when trying to identify EMF exposure in controlled conditions.
Current evidence shows no valid association between mobile phone radiation and health symptoms. A comprehensive 2005 literature review found contradictory results across studies, with significant methodological problems preventing firm conclusions about symptom causation from EMF exposure.
While people experience real symptoms, research shows no evidence they can detect EMF or that EMF causes their symptoms. Multiple controlled studies from 2000-2004 found individuals claiming electromagnetic hypersensitivity could not identify when mobile phone radiation was actually present.
Based on available research through 2004, no valid evidence supports health risks from mobile phone EMF exposure. However, researchers note the limited quantity and quality of studies cannot definitively exclude potential long-term effects, requiring more comprehensive research.
Studies examining symptoms near mobile phone infrastructure show mixed, contradictory results with significant methodological flaws. A 2005 review found no reliable evidence linking mobile communication EMF exposure to health complaints, though researchers acknowledge study limitations prevent definitive conclusions.