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Investigation of electric current perception thresholds of different EHS groups.
Jörg Schröttner1, Norbert Leitgeb, Lena Hillert
1Institute of Clinical Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Inffeldgasse 18, A-8010 Graz, Austria. schroettner@tugraz.at
Bioelectromagnetics
|November 3, 2006
Summary
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) groups are diverse, with many individuals lacking heightened sensitivity to electric fields. Recruitment strategy significantly impacts study outcomes for EHS research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Environmental Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is a self-reported condition with symptoms of unclear origin.
- EHS lacks an accepted diagnosis and validated tests linking electromagnetic fields to symptoms.
- Individuals with EHS share a belief in increased sensitivity to electromagnetic fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how recruitment strategies affect quantitative measures of electrosensitivity in self-declared EHS individuals.
- To assess the electric current perception threshold and its variability coefficient in different EHS groups.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative electrosensitivity was assessed using direct 50 Hz electric current provocation on the lower arms.
- Self-declared EHS individuals were recruited from a self-aid group, newspaper responders, and those seeking help.
- Comparison was made between EHS groups and a general population sample.
Main Results:
- Quantitative electrosensitivity varied significantly among the three recruitment groups.
- Members of the EHS self-aid group showed considerable overlap with the general population.
- Pooled EHS individuals differed significantly from the general population but with substantial overlap.
Conclusions:
- EHS groups are highly heterogeneous, including individuals without enhanced sensitivity to electric or magnetic fields.
- Recruitment strategies are critical for the validity and outcome of EHS research.
- Further research is needed to understand the heterogeneity within self-reported EHS.
