Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), also known as idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF) or microwave sickness, is currently not acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) as being caused by electromagnetic field (EMF) exposures. Globally, EHS is not officially recognized as a disease.

Findings

• Estimates suggest that 1-10% of the global population may experience some form of EHS.
• The lack of diagnostic criteria makes these estimates potentially inaccurate.
• The widespread exposure to EMF presents a substantial public health concern about the potential development of EHS, despite the low individual risk.
• The WHO notes that the symptoms of EHS can be severe and significantly disrupt daily life.
• No current efforts are evident in developing health policies for EHS at international or national levels.
• Symptoms that impact well-being are considered health issues by the WHO Constitution, necessitating global health policy attention.

Conclusion

The WHO, along with institutions like the ICNIRP and IEEE-ICES, need to promote and support research to ascertain the causes of EHS and develop diagnostic and mitigation strategies. There is an urgent call for the WHO to encourage national governments to devise a comprehensive and unified health policy regarding EHS.