Physiological changes and symptoms associated with short-term exposure to electromagnetic fields: a randomized crossover provocation study

Authors: Po-Chang Huang, Jui-Chin Chiang, Ya-Yun Cheng, Tain-Junn Cheng, Chien-Yuan Huang, Ya-Ting Chuang, Ti Hsu, How-Ran Guo

Year: 2022 Mar 8

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Environ Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00843-1

URL: https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-022-00843-1

Abstract

Overview

The biological association between electromagnetic fields (EMF) and idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to EMF (IEI-EMF) remains unclear. This study investigated the physiological changes and symptoms in individuals after short-term exposure to EMF through a randomized crossover provocation approach.

Methods

  • Recruitment of 58 individuals with IEI-EMF and 92 without (control group).
  • Exposure to EMF signals mimicking mobile phone base stations in a randomized sequence under blinded conditions.
  • Monitoring of symptoms, EMF perception, and physiological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability.

Findings

Both IEI-EMF and control groups reported similar symptom frequencies during provocation and sham sessions. No participant could consistently identify EMF presence. Notably, control participants, but not the IEI-EMF group, exhibited increased heart rates when perceiving EMF exposure.

Conclusion

No significant symptoms or physiological changes were directly associated with EMF exposure. Furthermore, inability to detect EMF presence challenges the perceived sensitivity to EMF, suggesting psychological factors may influence perception.

EMF IEI-EMF physiological changes symptoms electromagnetic fields randomized study
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