Modern health worries and exposure perceptions of individuals reporting varying levels of sensitivity

Abstract

Modern health worries and exposure perceptions of individuals reporting varying levels of sensitivity to electromagnetic fields: results of two successive surveys Ledent M, Vatovez B, Roelandt P, Bordarie J, Dieudonné M, De Waegeneer E, Kremer C, Boucher L, Bouland C, De Clercq EM. Modern health worries and exposure perceptions of individuals reporting varying levels of sensitivity to electromagnetic fields: results of two successive surveys. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 2025. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1536167, Abstract Introduction: Individuals who claim to be affected by idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) report symptoms linked to EMF exposure. Uncertainties about the causes of these symptoms often leave them seeking their own care solutions. In our connected societies, they may limit their exposure, leading to a spiral of avoidance that negatively impacts overall health. Our objective is to gain insights into the characteristics of people who report sensitivity to EMFs in an attempt to provide care guidance. This study focuses on modern health worries (MHW), behaviours, and exposure perceptions of people reporting various sensitivity levels to EMFs during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which altered habits and increased telecommunication device use. Methods: We conducted two surveys during relaxed lockdown periods in Belgium (June/July 2020 and February/March 2021). A total of 97 and 285 participants, respectively, answered a questionnaire on sensitivity to EMFs, MHW, exposure perception, and strategies to limit EMF exposure. We applied nonparametric descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses. Results: Higher sensitivity to EMFs correlates with greater MHW regarding EMF sources and more strategies to limit EMF exposure. However, these strategies were inconclusive, as many still felt highly exposed to EMFs. Discussion: Given the high distress, social isolation, and professional difficulties faced by some EMF sensitive individuals, the relevance of exposure avoidance strategies is questionable. People who perceive high sensitivity to EMFs report worries and avoidance behaviors, yet still feel highly exposed. The findings suggest exploring new care avenues. Open access paper: frontiersin.org

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Across two surveys, higher self-reported sensitivity to EMFs was associated with greater modern health worries about EMF sources and reporting more strategies to limit EMF exposure. Reported avoidance/limiting strategies were described as inconclusive because many participants still felt highly exposed to EMFs.

Outcomes measured

• Modern health worries (MHW) regarding EMF sources
• Exposure perception (feeling highly exposed to EMFs)
• Strategies/behaviours to limit EMF exposure
• Self-reported sensitivity to EMFs

Limitations

• Exposure and sensitivity were self-reported/perceived rather than objectively measured
• Survey design limits causal inference
• Specific EMF sources/frequencies and quantitative exposure metrics were not reported in the abstract

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.2)
  Addresses self-reported EMF sensitivity and exposure perceptions relevant to broader EMF health guidance discussions.

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    "study_type": "cross_sectional",
    "exposure": {
        "band": null,
        "source": "telecommunication device use (perceived exposure)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "Two surveys during relaxed COVID-19 lockdown periods (June/July 2020; February/March 2021)"
    },
    "population": "Survey participants in Belgium reporting varying levels of sensitivity to EMFs",
    "sample_size": 382,
    "outcomes": [
        "Modern health worries (MHW) regarding EMF sources",
        "Exposure perception (feeling highly exposed to EMFs)",
        "Strategies/behaviours to limit EMF exposure",
        "Self-reported sensitivity to EMFs"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Across two surveys, higher self-reported sensitivity to EMFs was associated with greater modern health worries about EMF sources and reporting more strategies to limit EMF exposure. Reported avoidance/limiting strategies were described as inconclusive because many participants still felt highly exposed to EMFs.",
    "effect_direction": "unclear",
    "limitations": [
        "Exposure and sensitivity were self-reported/perceived rather than objectively measured",
        "Survey design limits causal inference",
        "Specific EMF sources/frequencies and quantitative exposure metrics were not reported in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields",
        "electromagnetic hypersensitivity",
        "modern health worries",
        "exposure perception",
        "avoidance behavior",
        "COVID-19 lockdown",
        "Belgium",
        "survey"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
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            "reason": "Addresses self-reported EMF sensitivity and exposure perceptions relevant to broader EMF health guidance discussions."
        }
    ]
}

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