A survey on electromagnetic hypersensitivity: the example from Poland

Abstract

Overview

Idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF), commonly known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity, has gained attention in Polish society following significant changes in Polish telecommunication laws at the end of 2019.

Findings

• The initial phase involved an internet survey conducted in late 2018, estimating IEI-EMF prevalence at 39.7%, which suggested a bias in results due to the survey medium and non-representative sampling.
• Subsequent refinement in methodology and execution of a telephone survey in late 2020 showed a lowered prevalence estimation of less than 1.8%, aligning with similar international studies.
• Diverse criteria applied for defining electrosensitivity significantly impacted prevalence estimations, emphasizing the need for uniform diagnostic criteria.

Conclusion

The study underscores the critical nature of precise methodology and criteria definition in surveys on IEI-EMF to prevent overestimations and misrepresentations of data. It also reinforces the caution required when interpreting such studies, suggesting robust methodology checks are essential for reliable outcomes.