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Symptoms & Sensitivity185 citations

Prevalence of self-reported hypersensitivity to electric or magnetic fields in a population-based questionnaire survey

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Authors not listed · 2002

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1.5% of Swedish adults reported electromagnetic hypersensitivity, suggesting millions worldwide may be affected by everyday EMF exposure.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Swedish researchers surveyed 15,000 adults in Stockholm County and found that 1.5% reported hypersensitivity to electric or magnetic fields. These individuals also reported significantly more symptoms, allergies, and other sensitivities compared to the general population, with women and people aged 60-69 most affected.

Why This Matters

This 2002 Swedish study represents one of the first large-scale attempts to quantify electromagnetic hypersensitivity in the general population. The finding that 1.5% of adults report EMF sensitivity translates to millions of people worldwide who believe they're adversely affected by everyday electromagnetic exposures from power lines, appliances, and wireless devices. What's particularly revealing is that these individuals reported significantly more symptoms across the board, not just EMF-related ones. This pattern suggests either that some people are genuinely more sensitive to environmental stressors including EMFs, or that those who notice EMF effects are also more attuned to other bodily sensations. The researchers' call for more investigation was prescient, as EMF sensitivity reports have only increased with our growing wireless infrastructure.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2002). Prevalence of self-reported hypersensitivity to electric or magnetic fields in a population-based questionnaire survey.
Show BibTeX
@article{prevalence_of_self_reported_hypersensitivity_to_electric_or_magnetic_fields_in_a_population_based_questionnaire_survey_ce1705,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Prevalence of self-reported hypersensitivity to electric or magnetic fields in a population-based questionnaire survey},
  year = {2002},
  doi = {10.5271/SJWEH.644},
  
}
DOI: 10.5271/SJWEH.644PubMed: 11871850

Quick Questions About This Study

The Swedish study found 1.5% of adults reported hypersensitivity to electric or magnetic fields. This rate was highest among women and people aged 60-69, suggesting certain demographics may be more susceptible to EMF effects.
Yes, people reporting EMF sensitivity also reported significantly more symptoms, allergies, and other hypersensitivities compared to the general population. They were also more disturbed by various environmental factors in their homes.
No, researchers found no specific symptom profile that distinguished electromagnetically sensitive individuals from others. The hypersensitive group simply reported more of all types of symptoms included in the survey.
The researchers cautioned that results should be interpreted carefully since they relied on self-reporting. However, the large sample size of 15,000 people with a 73% response rate strengthens the findings' reliability.
Yes, the study found that women reported electromagnetic hypersensitivity more frequently than men. The highest prevalence was among people aged 60-69, suggesting both gender and age may influence EMF sensitivity reporting.