Development and evaluation of the electromagnetic hypersensitivity questionnaire

Abstract

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) syndrome is usually defined as a condition where an individual experiences adverse health effects that he or she believes is due to exposure to objects that emit electromagnetic fields. The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire that would identify the key symptoms associated with EHS and determine how often these symptoms occur in the general population of the United Kingdom. In the pilot study, an EHS questionnaire was developed and tested. In Study 1 the EHS questionnaire was revised and sent to a randomly selected sample of 20,000 people. Principal components analysis of the symptoms resulted in eight subscales: neurovegetative, skin, auditory, headache, cardiorespiratory, cold related, locomotor, and allergy related symptoms. Study 2 established the validity of the questionnaire in that EHS individuals showed a higher severity of symptoms on all subscales compared to the control group. The two key results of this study were the development of a scale that provides an index of the type and intensity of symptoms commonly experienced by people believing themselves to be EHS and a screening tool that researchers can use to pre-select the most sensitive individuals to take part in their research.

Do people with idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields display physiological effects when exposed to electromagnetic fields? A systematic review of provocation studies

“…In particular, many studies provided insufficient data about their participants for us to assess the type of symptoms that they normally attribute to EMF sources or the severity of these symptoms. Several studies have demonstrated that IEI-EMF is not a homogenous condition [Rubin et al, 2008;Johansson et al, 2010], yet differences between potential subgroups cannot be assessed unless individual research teams provide sufficient information about their samples using questionnaires such as those used in previous studies [e.g., Eltiti et al, 2007;Rubin et al, 2008;Johansson et al, 2010]. Ideally, the type, severity and chronicity of symptoms, EMF triggers reported as problematic, duration of ill health, and use of coping strategies such as avoidance should be assessed [Hillert et al, 1999].…”

Cognitive and physiological responses in humans exposed to a TETRA base station signal in relation to perceived electromagnetic hypersensitivity

“…Prior to testing all participants completed the Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Questionnaire (EHQ) [Eltiti et al, 2007b] to assess their current state of health and whether or not they attributed symptoms to EMFs. Volunteers were included in the ''sensitive'' group if they self-reported being sensitive to EMF emissions such as those produced by base stations and mobile handsets.…”

“…There have also been anecdotal reports of flu-like symptoms attributed to TETRA base station emissions. In addition, a small sub-group within the general population report symptoms, such as difficulty in concentrating and short-term memory loss, which they attribute to exposure from these and other mobile communications frequencies such as the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) [Hillert et al, 1999;Eltiti et al, 2007b]. This condition is commonly known as ''electrosensitivity'' although the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the label, ''Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance with attribution to electromagnetic fields'' (IEI-EMF), to acknowledge the lack of a causal connection between EMFs and symptoms [Hansson Mild et al, 2006].…”

Increasing levels of saliva alpha amylase in electrohypersensitive (EHS) patients

“…This sensitivity to EMF has been termed "electromagnetic hypersensitivity" (EHS). These non-specific symptoms include dermatological symptoms (redness, tingling and burning sensations), as well as neurasthenic and vegetative symptoms (fatigue, tiredness, concentration difficulties, dizziness, nausea, heart palpitation and digestive disturbances) (Eltiti et al 2007). These symptoms are not part of any recognized syndrome.…”