Abstract

Overview

For the past two decades, electromagnetic fields (EMF) and electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) have been subjects of increasing controversy in France. These issues are described as "low noise" public problems which are difficult to resolve fully, being neither completely removable from political discussions nor permanently addressable.

Findings

• The article examines the political processes that lead to the ongoing controversy using qualitative data.
• It reviews how the dispute regarding the health effects of EMF initially arose from urban planning challenges and later transitioned into a broader public health concern.
• The emergence of EHS as a derivative controversy is also discussed, highlighting its rapid escalation into a separate significant debate.

Conclusion

This study illustrates how issues in democratic processes affecting public risk management can amplify the occurrence of unfounded health alarms. It also sheds light on why EHS, despite its growing awareness, is not as medically recognized as other conditions like fibromyalgia, contributing to ongoing health controversies.