What is Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS)?

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Last updated: April 22, 2025 • View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

EHS stands for Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity, a condition in which people experience adverse health effects when exposed to electromagnetic fields. Based on the most recent and highest quality study available, 1, it appears that EHS is a condition that has been studied in relation to exposure to magnetic fields and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study found that exposure to magnetic fields was associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, particularly in women with subfertility and previous miscarriages. Some key findings from the study include:

  • A positive association between maximum magnetic field exposure (MAX ≥16 mG) and miscarriage, with an adjusted rate ratio of 1.8 (95% CI: 1.2–2.7) 1.
  • An increased risk of miscarriage among women with subfertility and previous miscarriages, with an adjusted rate ratio of 3.1 (95% CI: 1.3,7.7) 1.
  • A suggestion that embryonic bud length may be inversely associated with magnetic field exposure, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.95 (95% CI: 1.1,14.2) for a 75th percentile magnetic field exposure ≥0.82 mG 1. It is essential to note that the evidence on EHS is still limited, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between electromagnetic field exposure and health effects. However, based on the available evidence, it is recommended that individuals take precautions to minimize their exposure to electromagnetic fields, particularly if they are pregnant or have a history of miscarriages. This can include using shielding materials, reducing the use of electronic devices, and increasing the distance between devices and the body. Additionally, healthcare providers should be aware of the potential risks associated with EHS and take a thorough medical history, including questions about electromagnetic field exposure, when evaluating patients with unexplained symptoms or adverse pregnancy outcomes.

From the Research

Definition of EHS

  • Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is a condition in which patients report symptoms following perceived exposure to weak electromagnetic fields (EMFs) such as those produced by mobile phones or visual display units 2.
  • EHS is defined by the attribution of non-specific symptoms to electromagnetic fields (EMF) of anthropogenic origin 3.
  • It is a clinical syndrome characterized by the presence of a wide spectrum of non-specific multiple organ symptoms, typically including central nervous system symptoms, that occur following the patient's acute or chronic exposure to electromagnetic fields in the environment or in occupational settings 4.

Symptoms of EHS

  • Common EHS symptoms include headaches, concentration difficulties, sleep problems, depression, a lack of energy, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms 5.
  • The symptoms associated with EHS can be categorized into eight subscales: neurovegetative, skin, auditory, headache, cardiorespiratory, cold related, locomotor, and allergy related symptoms 6.
  • Patients can have neurologic, neuro-hormonal and neuro-psychiatric symptoms following exposure to EMF as a consequence of neural damage and over-sensitized neural responses 4.

Causes and Mechanisms of EHS

  • The exact cause of EHS is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to the body's response to electromagnetic fields 2.
  • Repeated exposures to EMF can result in sensitization and consequent enhancement of response, and many hypersensitive patients appear to have impaired detoxification systems that become overloaded by excessive oxidative stress 4.
  • EMF can induce changes in calcium signaling cascades, significant activation of free radical processes and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living cells as well as altered neurological and cognitive functions and disruption of the blood-brain barrier 4.

Diagnosis and Treatment of EHS

  • A comprehensive medical history, which should include all symptoms and their occurrences in spatial and temporal terms and in the context of EMF exposures, is the key to making the diagnosis 5.
  • The primary method of treatment should mainly focus on the prevention or reduction of EMF exposure, that is, reducing or eliminating all sources of high EMF exposure at home and at the workplace 5.
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy is more effective than providing no treatment for patients who report being hypersensitive to weak EMFs 2.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

3
Research

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: a critical review of explanatory hypotheses.

Environmental health : a global access science source, 2020

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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