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Study of self-reported hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields in California
Patrick Levallois1, Raymond Neutra, Geraldine Lee
1Unité de Recherche en Santé Publique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Beauport, Canada. patrick.levallois@msp.ulaval.ca
Environmental Health Perspectives
|August 27, 2002
Summary
A study found 3.2% of Californians report hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). This sensitivity was linked to environmental illness diagnoses and specific demographics, not just chemical sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Public Health Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has been reported for over two decades.
- Potential links between EMF hypersensitivity and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) have been suggested.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of self-reported hypersensitivity to EMFs in a Californian population.
- To identify characteristics and predictors associated with EMF hypersensitivity.
Main Methods:
- A telephone survey was conducted among 2,072 Californian residents.
- Statistical analysis was used to calculate prevalence and identify predictive factors.
Main Results:
- An adjusted prevalence of 3.2% reported hypersensitivity to EMFs.
- EMF hypersensitivity was associated with a history of environmental illness or doctor-diagnosed MCS.
- Other predictors included non-White/Black/Hispanic ethnicity, low income, and inability to work.
Conclusions:
- EMF hypersensitivity is a distinct self-reported condition with specific demographic and diagnostic associations.
- While risk perception of EMFs (e.g., from hair dryers) was noted, it did not fully explain the observed characteristics.