Research about Electrosensitivity (EHS): ANSES publishes its report
- 31/08/2019
- EMF & Health, Environmental health
New research conducted by ANSES to understand electrosensitivity
Last March, the ANSES ( French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety) published a report on electrosensitivity. This 380-page report is the fruit of four years of reflection and study by a working group of some forty experts from all sectors: associations, doctors, researchers and other specialists.
This is not the first study to be conducted by this organisation on the subject of electromagnetism, since studies on exposure to radio frequencies and their effects on health were carried out in 2003, 2005, 2009, 2013 and more recently in 2016. Indeed, it was at this time that questions about continuous exposure to radio-frequency and electrical sources were growing.
This new report adds a new dimension, since it aims to understand and find explanations for the issue of electrosensitivity or electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), the number of cases claiming to suffer from this syndrome has been growing steadily for years.
Is EHS caused by exposure to electromagnetic fields and what are the symptoms?
The report uses the definition provided by the WHO (World Health Organisation) to establish the three main criteria foridiopathic environmental intolerance to electromagnetic fields or EHS: “the perception by the subjects of non-specific symptoms, the attribution by the subjects themselves of these symptoms to exposure to electromagnetic fields and the absence of clinical and biological evidence to explain these symptoms”.
The study also shows that the pains reported by people claiming to suffer from electrosensitivity (EHS) are frequently the same: headaches, sleep disorders and memory problems.
On the other hand, on the basis of the study and the testimonies gathered, the sources of electromagnetic radiation most accused are radio frequencies sources (WiFi, mobile telephony, relay antennas, etc.) as well as low frequency sources (Linky meter, power lines and installations).
The agency's conclusions and recommendations: we need to maximise our efforts to prevent electrosensitivity
To date, neither science nor this study has been able to demonstrate a real causal link between the symptoms reported by people who describe themselves as suffering from electromagnetic hypersensitivity and their exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Nevertheless, ANSES concludes that “the pain and suffering expressed by people claiming to suffer from electrosensitivity do indeed correspond to an actual experience”. As a result, they are forced to adapt their daily lives and living conditions to cope.
It also highlights the importance of continuing and expanding research into this complex issue, with a view to taking greater account of electrosensitive people and finding solutions to improve their living conditions.
Finally, the agency stresses the need to maximise prevention efforts and develop training for health professionals on the issue of idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields.
This new publication once again revives the debate on exposure to all types of sources of electromagnetic fields and the effects they appear to have on people.
The introduction a few years ago of the system for measuring people’s exposure to electromagnetic fields in homes and public places, and the entry into force of Decree 2016-1074 for measuring exposure in the workplace only serve to emphasise the need to take this new risk into account.
Although no real link between cause and effect has yet been detected, and this hyper-electrosensitivity syndrome seems to affect only a tiny proportion of the population, there is an increase in the number of individuals claiming to suffer from it. On the basis of the Agency’s recommendations, we need to continue our research to improve the management of this emerging syndrome.
To consult the ANSES report, click here
