Epidemiological study (observational study)

Prevalence of self-reported hypersensitivity to electric or magnetic fields in a population-based questionnaire survey epidem.

By: Hillert L, Berglind N, Arnetz BB, Bellander T

Published in: Scand J Work Environ Health 2002; 28 (1): 33-41

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sweden to estimate the prevalence of self-reported hypersensitivity to electric and magnetic fields. Furthermore, the association of such hypersensitivity with demographic characteristics, other complaints and types of self-reported hypersensitivity (including traditional allergies) should be investigated.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

electromagnetic hypersensitivity: hypersensitivity to electric or magnetic fields (facial skin problems, eye irritation, runny or stuffy nose, impaired sense of smell, hoarse or dry throat, coughing, sense of pressure in the ear, fatigue, sense of heaviness in head, headache, nausea or dizziness, difficulties to concentrate)

Type of risk estimation:

prevalence

Exposure

- 50/60 Hz
- electric field
- magnetic field
- also other exposures without EMF
- residential
- personal

Assessment

list: information on age, gender, income and country of birth obtained from the national population register
questionnaire: hypersensitivity to electric or magnetic fields

Population

Group:
- men
- women
Age: 19–80 years
Characteristics: randomly selected adults from 17 different geographic regions
Observation period: 1997
Study location: Sweden (Stockholm County)
Data source: Statistics Sweden

Study size

Type	Value
Total	15,000
Participants	10,670
Participation rate	73 %
Evaluable	10,605

Statistical analysis method:

Chi-square test

Results (acc. to author)

Of all respondents, 1.5 % (167 persons) reported hypersensitivity to electric or magnetic fields. The prevalence was highest among women and in the 60- to 69-year age group. The hypersensitive group reported all symptoms, allergies, and other types of hypersensitivities included in the survey to a significantly greater extent than the rest of the respondents. No specific symptom profile was identified for the hypersensitive group compared to the rest of the respondents.
The authors conclude that there is widespread concern among the general population about risks to health posed by electric and magnetic fields.

Limitations (acc. to author)

The authors noted that the results should be interpreted with caution.

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

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