Hypersensitivity to man-made electromagnetic fields (EHS) correlates with immune responsivity to oxidative stress: a case report
Abstract
Overview
There is increasing evidence that exposure to weak electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by modern telecommunications or household appliances has physiological consequences, including reports of electromagnetic field hypersensitivity (EHS) leading to adverse health effects.
- Although symptoms can be serious, the underlying mechanism for EHS is not fully known and there is no general cure or effective therapy.
Findings
This study presents a case report of a self-reported EHS patient whose symptoms included:
- Severe headaches
- Generalized fatigue
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Attention and memory deficit
- Generalized systemic pain within minutes of exposure to telecommunications (WiFi, cellular phones), high tension lines and electronic devices
Tests for cerebral, cardiovascular, and other physiological anomalies were negative, as were serological tests for inflammation, allergies, infections, auto-immune conditions, and hormonal imbalance. However, further investigation revealed:
- Deficits in cellular anti-oxidants
- Increased radical scavenging enzymes (indicative of systemic oxidative stress)
- Large increase in circulating antibodies for oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDLox)
Because a known primary effect of EMF exposure is to increase the concentration of cellular oxidants, the authors propose that pathology in this patient may be causally related to a resulting increase in LDLox synthesis, which could trigger an exaggerated auto-immune response consistent with EHS symptoms.
Conclusion
This case report provides a testable mechanistic framework for EHS pathology with therapeutic implications for this debilitating and poorly understood condition.