EMF Sensitivity

What is Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS)?

Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) is a condition that has gained increasing attention in the age of technology.

This growing phenomenon is believed to be a result of constant exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by electronic devices such as cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, and computers.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore what Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity is, its symptoms, and natural treatment options to help those affected by the condition.

What is Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity?

Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity is a condition where individuals experience a range of symptoms that are believed to be triggered by exposure to electromagnetic fields. These symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, but generally include physical and psychological discomforts that can impact their overall quality of life.

EHS is not yet officially recognized as a medical condition, but an increasing number of people around the world are reporting symptoms consistent with this diagnosis. Health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), have acknowledged the need for further research to better understand the prevalence and potential health impacts of Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity.

The Science Behind Electromagnetic Fields

Electromagnetic fields are invisible areas of energy that are associated with the use of electrical power and various forms of natural and man-made lighting. They are produced by both natural sources, such as the Earth's magnetic field, and artificial sources, including electronic devices and power lines. EMFs are categorized into two types: non-ionizing and ionizing radiation.

Non-ionizing radiation includes low-frequency EMFs, which are emitted by devices like cellphones, Wi-Fi routers, and microwaves. While this type of radiation is generally considered less harmful, there is still ongoing debate about the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to non-ionizing EMFs.

Ionizing radiation, on the other hand, is a high-frequency form of electromagnetic radiation that has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating ions. This type of radiation is known to cause damage to living tissues and can be found in sources such as X-rays and gamma rays.

Symptoms of Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity

The symptoms associated with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity can vary greatly among individuals, making it challenging to diagnose. However, some common symptoms include:

Physical Symptoms

1. Skin Rashes and Irritation: Redness, itching, and burning sensations on the skin are often reported by individuals with EHS.
2. Headaches and Migraines: Frequent headaches and migraines can be experienced by those with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity, with severity often increasing with exposure to EMFs.
3. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia and sleep disturbances are common among EHS sufferers, possibly due to the presence of electronic devices near their sleeping areas.
4. Fatigue and Weakness: Constant tiredness and a general lack of energy are frequently reported symptoms of EHS.
5. Muscle and Joint Pain: Individuals with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity may experience persistent muscle and joint pain, often resembling fibromyalgia.
6. Heart Palpitations and Arrhythmia: Changes in heart rhythm and palpitations can occur in those with EHS, particularly when exposed to strong EMF sources.

Psychological Symptoms

1. Anxiety and Depression: EHS sufferers may experience increased levels of anxiety and depression, potentially as a result of the constant discomfort and distress caused by their symptoms.
2. Memory and Concentration Difficulties: Cognitive impairments, such as difficulty concentrating and memory loss, have been reported among individuals with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity.
3. Mood Swings: Some EHS sufferers describe experiencing mood swings and emotional instability, which may be linked to their physical discomfort and stress.
4. Irritability and Agitation: Increased irritability and agitation can be common among those with EHS, possibly due to their constant exposure to EMFs and the resulting symptoms.

Natural Treatment Options for Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity

While there is no known cure for Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity, there are several natural treatment options that can help alleviate symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for those affected by the condition:

Reducing EMF Exposure

1. Create a Low-EMF Environment: Minimize the number of electronic devices in your living and working spaces, particularly in the bedroom. Keep a distance of at least 3-4 feet from electronic devices, such as computers, televisions, and cellphones.
2. Limit Wi-Fi Use: Opt for wired internet connections whenever possible, and switch off Wi-Fi routers when not in use. Consider using a timer to automatically turn off the router during sleep hours.
3. Unplug Devices: Unplug electronic devices and appliances when they're not in use, as they can still emit EMFs even when turned off.

Strengthening the Body's Natural Defenses

1. Diet and Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to strengthen the immune system and support the body's natural ability to detoxify.
2. Exercise and Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity to improve overall health and well-being. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood, which can help alleviate some EHS symptoms.
3. Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises to help manage the psychological symptoms of EHS.

Alternative Therapies

1. Grounding: Also known as Earthing, grounding involves connecting the body directly to the Earth to help neutralize the effects of electromagnetic fields. This can be achieved by walking barefoot on natural surfaces or using grounding products such as grounding mats and sheets.
2. Acupuncture: Some EHS sufferers have found relief through acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy.
3. Herbal Remedies: Various herbal remedies, such as ginkgo biloba, ashwagandha, and valerian root, have been used to alleviate symptoms of Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity. Consult with a qualified herbalist or naturopathic doctor before using herbal remedies to ensure safety and efficacy.

Mold vs. Electrosensitivity

Mold can cause electrical hypersensitivityWe have received detailed descriptions and pictures that show how people with electrical hypersensitivity react. Symptom descriptions include, as with a stay in what is called a sick house [1], sleep disturbance, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, irregular heart rhythm or palpitations, dizziness, headache, skin symptoms with sometimes a hot or tender sensation, etc. Quality of life and ability to work can suffer greatly in those with more pronounced problems.

Ville Valtonen, a specialist in internal medicine and infectious diseases in Finland, is also a specialist in how mold [6] can affect those exposed in houses. Valtonen says that exposure to mold and staying in damaged houses causes health effects that generally escalate into gradual deterioration. It often starts with milder symptoms such as problems from the eyes, nose and throat, to further develop with or to more chronic problems such as exhaustion, allergy, asthma, etc.. Later in the disease stage, he mentions MCS – Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and electrical hypersensitivity. Valtonen says that many of the patients with electrical hypersensitivity he examined have been or are exposed to mold in houses. [2]

Recently, Gunnar Heuser MD presented Ph.D. from California, specialist in mold-related diseases and clinical toxicology, findings that agree with what Ville Valtonen tells. Heuser has established a connection especially between exposure to mold, head injury and the development of electrical hypersensitivity. Abnormality detected in patients on MRI brain scan. [3] Interestingly, Heuser also links exposure to environmental factors such as mold with MCS – Multiple Chemical Sensitivity [10]. Heuser's research includes, among other things that the mast cells are affected by the exposure factors and head injury and that this can lead to hypersensitivity, both MCS and EHS. [3,4]

Earlier, in 1999, Kim Anttila from Västerås issued a medical hypothesis which states that mold with its mold poison could cause electrical hypersensitivity. Anttila points out in particular that many of those who show symptoms when exposed to electric fields have fungal infections and have lived for long periods in houses contaminated with mold. Antilla also writes that animal experiments with mold toxins have produced the same effects as seen in EHS. [5]

Mold [6] with its metabolites such as mycotoxins [7] is known to cause inflammation and neurological abnormalities. Regarding multiple chemical sensitivity and electrical hypersensitivity, researchers in 2015 have come to the common denominator of inflammation and a number of other factors. [8] A risk was seen for neurodegeneration, which we previously discussed in relation to mold and fungus. [9,11]

Electrical hypersensitivity in connection with mold is included in the new term DMHS - Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome, which has been coined to explain the escalating disease picture that becomes a stark reality for many mold-exposed people, children and adults. [12,13]

Read more about mold poison, also called mycotoxin, which in 2007 was proven once and for all to be common in houses with moisture damage. [7] Furthermore, researchers have established in 2017 that mold toxins are easily released from the mold's point of attack into the indoor air. [14] We have research verified that this can happen i.a. from the basement and crawl space up into the house. [15]

No-sayers to mold and electrical hypersensitivity
A whole book could be written about naysayers, to the fact that mold can cause damage and that electrical hypersensitivity exists. One finding is that some of these people advocate antidepressants - SSRIs in combination with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, to get rid of MCS and EHS. They like to angle their research and further statements against the fact that patients become ill because they have mental problems and are afraid of e.g. smell of mold. Several SSRI preparations have documented anti-inflammatory properties. [16] An example is Citalopram, which has been used successfully in an individual with depression and MCS. [17] Furthermore, Steven Nordin at Umeå University, among others, trumpets his, according to his own statement, authoritative findings in a negative tone. Nordin believes that an environmentally sensitive individual has been helped by the SSRI preparation Paroxetine [18], which is also anti-inflammatory. [16] Nordin may have done this in too close cooperation with pharmaceutical companies. [18] It will also be very interesting when we find that certain SSRIs can have a direct effect against invasive species of fungus and mold. [20]

There is potentially a much better way to get rid of or reduce inflammation and invasive fungal and mold growth in the body, than popping toxic pills with serious side effects. If it concerns a sick house and mold, the house itself must be cleaned immediately in an appropriate way. The alternative is to move or change workplace, which in case of more extensive damage can be good, at least initially. Change and improvement in lifestyle may also be required, while the diet must be reviewed. There are alternative, less toxic preparations to strengthen and balance the body's functions with. We have written more about that on the page free from mould. [20] Feel free to talk to your doctor or psychologist etc. if you have electrical hypersensitivity or other problems such as depression. By law, treating staff may recommend alternative preparations. Regarding depression, such is just like MCS and electrical hypersensitivity linked to inflammation and mold with its mold toxins. Mold in the body also affects the "bud". [20]

An angle that we think should be studied more is the question of whether low-frequency electric fields and so-called mobile radiation can stimulate mold and fungus to grow, both in houses and in the human body. The research that is available suggests that this may be the case. [21] There are two aspects to this question. One is that the mold could be directly activated by the radiation, while the other is that the radiation reduces and rebalances the body's defenses and thereby causes hypersensitivity etc. health effects. Read more about the health effects that are reported when people have stayed in houses with mold and moisture damage. [22]

Interesting in this context is e.g. to look further at the mold's impact on mast cells, which emit i.a. histamine. Histamine release can be inflammatory. Article will come when time is given.

- Mold in houses causes environmental intolerance hyperreactivity AHR SHR

Much suggests that electrical hypersensitivity can be prevented with dehumidifiers , in a healthy house. If the moisture damage has already taken place, quick cleaning measures should be taken to minimize the growth of various mold species and bacteria.

Chemical damage in houses, such as wood preservatives such as pentachlorophenol , can also cause health effects, especially in combination with mold.

Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity - Final Thoughts

Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity is a complex and multifaceted condition that requires further research to fully understand its causes and potential health impacts. While there is no definitive cure for EHS, a combination of reducing EMF exposure, strengthening the body's natural defenses, and exploring alternative therapies can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by the condition.

As our reliance on technology continues to grow, it's essential to remain informed about the potential health risks associated with EMF exposure and take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.