Epidemiological study (observational study)

The prevalence of symptoms attributed to electromagnetic field exposure: a cross-sectional representative survey in Switzerland epidem.

By: Schreier N, Huss A, Röösli M

Published in: Soz Praventivmed 2006; 51 (4): 202-209

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Switzerland to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported symptoms to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and other environmental exposures and to investigate health risk perception.

Further details

The study participants were asked in telephone interviews about health symptoms attributed to five environmental factors (distress, weather, air pollution, noise, and EMF) and health risk perception related to 12 environmental risk factors.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

electromagnetic hypersensitivity: sleep disorders, headache, concentration difficulties, nervousness, rheumatism/muscle pain, respiratory problems, dizziness

Type of risk estimation:

prevalence

(odds ratio (OR))

Exposure

- 50/60 Hz
- magnetic field
- also other exposures without EMF
- power transmission line
- PC/TV monitor
- other domestic appliance
- Radio/TV transmitter
- microw. oven/heating device
- mobile communications
- digital mobile phone
- mobile phone base station
- cordless phone
- residential
- personal

Assessment

interview: exposure to mobile phone, cordless phone, mobile phone base station, and power lines

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Reference group 1	EMF unconcerned individuals
Group 2	EMF concerned individuals
Group 3	EHS individuals

Population

Group:
- men
- women
Age: ≥ 14 years
Characteristics: representative sample of Swiss population
Observation period: May - July 2004
Study location: Switzerland
Data source: randomly selected from the telephone directory

Study size

Type	Value
Participants	2,048
Participation rate	55 %

Statistical analysis method:

logistic regression
Chi-square test

(adjustment:

)

Results (acc. to author)

A prevalence of 5 % for electromagnetic hypersensitivity was found in the study sample. The most common complaints were sleep disorders and headaches which were mostly attributed to powerlines and mobile phone handsets. 53 % of the study participants worried about adverse health effects from EMF, without attributing their own health symptoms to them.

Limitations (acc. to author)

A causal relationship between electromagnetic fields and adverse health effects cannot be concluded from a cross-sectional study such as this one.

Study funded by

Federal Office of the Environment (FOEN; Bundesamt für Umwelt), Switzerland

Baliatsas C et al. (2015): Actual and perceived exposure to electromagnetic fields and non-specific physical symptoms: an epidemiological study based on self-reported data and electronic medical records
Bolte JF et al. (2014): Everyday exposure to power frequency magnetic fields and associations with non-specific physical symptoms
Baliatsas C et al. (2014): Comparing non-specific physical symptoms in environmentally sensitive patients: prevalence, duration, functional status and illness behavior
Kücer N et al. (2014): Self-reported symptoms associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields: a questionnaire study
Hagström M et al. (2013): Electromagnetic hypersensitive Finns: Symptoms, perceived sources and treatments, a questionnaire study
Mohler E et al. (2012): Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields and Sleep Quality: A Prospective Cohort Study
Kato Y et al. (2012): Reported functional impairments of electrohypersensitive Japanese: A questionnaire survey
Frei P et al. (2012): Cohort study on the effects of everyday life radio frequency electromagnetic field exposure on non-specific symptoms and tinnitus
Nam KC et al. (2011): Physiological variables and subjective symptoms by 60 Hz magnetic field in EHS and non-EHS persons
Chu MK et al. (2011): Clinical features of headache associated with mobile phone use: a cross-sectional study in university students
Tseng MMC et al. (2011): Prevalence and psychiatric comorbidity of self-reported electromagnetic field sensitivity in Taiwan: A population-based study
Baliatsas C et al. (2011): Non-specific physical symptoms in relation to actual and perceived proximity to mobile phone base stations and powerlines
Röösli M et al. (2010): Sense and sensibility in the context of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure
Danker-Hopfe H et al. (2010): Do mobile phone base stations affect sleep of residents? Results from an experimental double-blind sham-controlled field study
Mohler E et al. (2010): Effects of everyday radiofrequency electromagnetic-field exposure on sleep quality: a cross-sectional study
Korpinen LH et al. (2009): Self-report of physical symptoms associated with using mobile phones and other electrical devices
Seitz H et al. (2005): Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) and subjective health complaints associated with electromagnetic fields of mobile phone communication--a literature review published between 2000 and 2004
Röösli M et al. (2004): Symptoms of ill health ascribed to electromagnetic field exposure--a questionnaire survey
Levallois P et al. (2002): Study of self-reported hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields in California
Hillert L et al. (2002): Prevalence of self-reported hypersensitivity to electric or magnetic fields in a population-based questionnaire survey