RF PRT 2

11.11.2009

3

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS)

Issues regarding reported cases of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) are complex and not easily

addressed. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there is no scientific basis to link

EHS symptoms to exposure to an electromagnetic field [WHO, 2005]. Therefore, the Nordic

radiation safety authorities regard EHS as a medical issue, which needs to be dealt with by health

authorities, rather than as a radiation safety issue. The symptoms related to EHS can be real and

severe for sufferers, however, and hence it is important to continue studies aimed at achieving a better

understanding of the causes of EHS.

Conclusion

The Nordic authorities agree that there is no scientific evidence for adverse health effects caused by

radiofrequency field strengths in the normal living environment at present. This conclusion concurs

with the opinion of international scientific and advisory bodies listed as references below [ICNIRP,

1998 and 2009; WHO, 2005 and 2006; SCENIHR 2009; SSI`s Independent Expert Group on Electromagnetic

Fields, 2007]. The Nordic authorities therefore at present see no need for a common recommendation

for further actions to reduce these radiofrequency fields.

It is important to note, however, that many of the technologies which use radiofrequency electromagnetic

fields have only been prevalent for less than two decades. It is therefore important to continue

active research on the possible health effects of radiofrequency radiation and reappraisal of the

scientific literature concerning this issue. It is also important to follow developments in exposure

from different sources and the possible health consequences from such development.

The Nordic authorities wish to emphasize the fact that to reduce the total exposure received by the

general public from wireless communication systems, it is necessary to carry out integrated planning

that takes into account radiation emitted both from fixed antennas and hand-held devices such as

mobile phones. Furthermore, in terms of overall public exposure, mobile phones are a much more

significant source of radiofrequency radiation than fixed antennas. If the number of fixed antennas is

reduced, mobile phones will need to use higher power to maintain their connection, thereby the exposure

of the general public may increase.

For further information about this and possible actions to reduce exposure from mobile phones and

other devices, see the web-pages of the national authorities listed below.

References

Mobile Telephony and Health – A common approach for the Nordic competent authorities (Available

at

ICNIRP. 1998. Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic

fields (up to 300 GHz). Health Phys 74:494–522. (Available at

http://www.icnirp.de/documents/emfgdl.pdf)

ICNIRP. 2009. ICNIRP Statement on the “Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric,

Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz)”. Health Phys 97:257–258. (Available at

http://www.icnirp.de/documents/StatementEMF.pdf)

World Health Organization (WHO). 2005. Fact sheet 296: Electromagnetic fields and public health -

Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity. (Available at

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs296/en/index.html)http://www.nrpa.no/archive/Internett/div_dokument/IIS/NordicMobile.pdf)