Electromagnetic Field Sensitivity (EMF)

Rohini Peris

ASEQ is contacted regularly by people who suffer from EMF sensitivity. Similar symptoms are reported by people of all ages from Quebec, and from across Canada, on exposure to electrical and magnetic fields.

The stories reported to us have common themes. For instance, it is a common occurrence that patients are sent for psychiatric evaluation and counseling because most doctors do not understand the condition. This course of action does not resolve the condition and often leads to a lack of self esteem and a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness for the patient. Medications are sometimes prescribed, which may dull the patient, but the physical problems persist on exposure to electrical and magnetic fields.

Often, due to a lack of proper diagnosis, support and care, family and friends doubt the sufferer and are unwilling to provide required accommodation. In addition, unless accommodation is provided in the workplace, the sufferer finds it increasingly hard to function and work and this often leads to increased sick days, non-productivity and discord with the employer; the end result of which is unemployment. With no earnings and limited income, life becomes increasingly hard. The sufferer is unable to afford specialized equipment or changes within their living accommodations in order to avoid exposures and maintain good health.

Life takes on a downward spiral as the sufferer becomes ostracized from society - unable to work, visit places and carry out the activities that they loved doing, or maintain meaningful relationships with family and friends.

Dr. Olle Johansson, Associate Professor, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neuroscience, Experimental Dermatology Unit, Stockhold, Sweden, states that ‘In Sweden, electrohypersensitivity (EHS) is an officially fully recognized functional impairment (i.e., it is not regarded as a disease).’ According to Dr. Johansson, out of a population of nine million, between 230,000 and 290,000 Swedes report a variety of symptoms when ‘in contact with electromagnetic field (EMF) sources.’

‘In Sweden, impairments are viewed from the point of the environment. No human being is in itself impaired, there are instead shortcomings in the environment that cause the impairment (as the lack of ramps for the person in a wheelchair or rooms electrosanitized for the person with electrohypersensitivity). This environment-related impairment view, furthermore, means that even though one does not have a scientifically based complete explanation for the impairment electrohypersensitivity, and in contrast to disagreements in the scientific society, the person with electrohypersensitivity shall always be met in a respectful way and with all necessary support with the goal to eliminate the impairment. This implies that the person with electrohypersensitivity shall have the opportunity to live and work in an electrosanitized environment.’

From his letter it is evident that Swedish citizens suffering in this manner are accommodated, supported and respected. To read Dr. Johansson’s letter, please click here.