Electromagnetic hypersensitivity close to mobile phone base stations – a case study in Stockholm, Sweden
Abstract
Overview
A previously healthy worker developed symptoms of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) after relocating to an office with high exposure to anthropogenic electromagnetic fields (EMFs). The elevated exposure was linked to various physical health issues.
Findings
- Symptoms such as headache, arthralgia, tinnitus, dizziness, memory loss, fatigue, insomnia, cardiovascular abnormalities, and skin lesions were reported.
- The symptoms were notably reduced after a two-week sick leave, highlighting a temporary improvement when away from the EMF source.
- Measurements indicated high levels of radiofrequency (RF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) fields in the office. The peak RF field level was 1.72 V/m and the maximum ELF-EMF was 285 nT.
- Three significant EMF sources were identified:
- Proximity to mobile phone base station antennas.
- Close distance to TETRA emergency services' lower radiofrequency transmitters.
- Nearby electric train railroad inducing fluctuating magnetic fields.
Conclusion
The comprehensive examination suggests that long-term exposure to multiple types of EMFs in the workplace caused the development of health symptoms associated with electromagnetic hypersensitivity. These findings support the crucial need for awareness and measures to mitigate EMF exposure to safeguard public health.