Time course of health complaints attributed to RF-EMF exposure and predictors of electromagnetic hypersensitivity over 10 years in a prospective cohort of Dutch adults

Authors: Eugenio Traini, Astrid L. Martens, Pauline Slottje, Roel C.H. Vermeulen, Anke Huss

Year: 2022

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Science of The Total Environment

Institution: Dutch Occupational and Environmental Health Cohort Study AMIGO

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159240

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969722063392

Abstract

Overview

Some individuals experience significant discomfort which they attribute to exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). This study explores the persistence and change of such health complaints over a decade, identifying possible predictors for developing a condition known as idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to RF-EMFs (IEI-RF).

Methods

  • Participants: 892 Dutch adults from the AMIGO cohort.
  • Survey Periods: 2011/2012, 2013, and 2021.
  • Analysis Used: Multi-state Markov models to gauge transitions in IEI-RF status.

Findings

Approximately 1% of participants at each time point reported health complaints related to RF-EMF exposure. Markov models revealed a 95% likelihood of individuals moving from acknowledging to not acknowledging health complaints attributed to RF-EMF exposure over 10 years. High perceived RF-EMF exposure significantly correlated with frequent status changes.

Conclusion

The consistency low prevalence of IEI-RF suggests it may be a transient condition. The research indicates that serious consideration should be given to the health risks associated with RF-EMF as its impacts are significantly notable in sensitive individuals.

electromagnetic hypersensitivity RF-EMF exposure health complaints Markov models environmental health
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