Electrohypersensitivity

What is belief and what is known

Bibliographic Data

ID22089434
AuthorsFrank De Vocht (0000-0003-3631-627X, University of Bristol, corresponding author), Martin Röösli (0000-0002-7475-1531, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1603692-1603692
Publication date2025-05-19
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1603692
PMID40458094
OpenAlexW4410477220
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited59

Electrohypersensitivity (EHS), or idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF), is a condition with fluid and transient symptoms associated to exposure to non-ionizing radiation by people claiming to suffer from it. However, the scientific evidence linking the exposure to the reported effects to datwe has eluded researchers, and may not even exist. In the current perspective we outline what is objectively known about EMF as the cause for EHS and what is based on anecdotal information only. We discuss why randomized provocation trials were considered the most appropriate research methodology to elucidate causal links between EMF exposure and effects in a scientifically robust manner, what the main arguments against such studies are, and whether these criticisms are valid. Finally, we synthesize the evidence and beliefs around EHS and provide future directions of research and practice

Epistemology · Non-ionizing radiation · Physics · Scientific evidence · Computer Science · Electromagnetic Fields and Biological Effects · Medicine · Nuclear Issues and Defense · Psychology · Risk Perception and Management

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