Reported functional impairments of electrohypersensitive Japanese: A questionnaire survey.
Kato Y, Johansson O. · 2012
View Original AbstractThis study documents that people with electromagnetic hypersensitivity report severe life disruptions, with 85% experiencing fatigue and many losing jobs to avoid EMF exposure.
Plain English Summary
Researchers surveyed 75 people in Japan who reported electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), a condition where individuals experience symptoms they attribute to EMF exposure from devices like cell phones and base stations. The study found that 85% reported severe fatigue, 81% experienced memory and concentration problems, and many had to make major life changes including job loss and relocating to avoid EMF sources. Most participants (65%) reported feeling sick from other people's mobile phones on public transportation, highlighting the profound social and economic impacts of this condition.
Why This Matters
This Japanese survey provides important documentation of the real-world impact of electromagnetic hypersensitivity, a condition affecting an increasing number of people worldwide. While the study doesn't establish causation between EMF exposure and symptoms, it reveals the severe functional impairments reported by those who identify as electromagnetically sensitive. The fact that 37% traced their symptoms to cell phone base stations and 85% had to take protective measures underscores how ubiquitous wireless technology has become inescapable for sensitive individuals. What makes this research particularly significant is its focus on the broader life consequences beyond just symptoms. The reality is that many EHS sufferers face job loss, social isolation, and financial hardship as they attempt to avoid EMF sources in our increasingly wireless world.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
The aim was to identify electromagnetic fields (EMF) and plausible EMF sources that caused their symptoms.
Postal questionnaires were distributed via a self-help group
75 participants (95% women) responded. Reported major complaints were "fatigue/tiredness" (85%), "he...
EHS persons were suffering not only from their symptoms, but also from economical and social problems.
Show BibTeX
@article{y_2012_reported_functional_impairments_of_2263,
author = {Kato Y and Johansson O.},
title = {Reported functional impairments of electrohypersensitive Japanese: A questionnaire survey.},
year = {2012},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22458999/},
}