Challenges and Stigma in EHS

Examples include:

• Comparisons to “Better Call Saul”

• “It does not exist” / “It’s all in the head”

This article is not intended as a critique of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Rather, it is grounded in the position that the aim of any therapy or intervention should be to support EHS/IEI-EMF individuals in integrating back into society as fully participating citizens.

It seeks to illustrate the frustrations experienced by some individuals with EHS and the associated mistrust of CBT in certain contexts.

For example, if an employer simply dismisses an employee’s concerns by stating that “EHS does not exist,” can the resulting increase in anxiety and frustration reasonably be attributed to the employee alone?

In such cases, the employer may be unaware of, or may choose to disregard, the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation for individuals affected by EHS.

“For some patients who are anxious owed to their daily EMF exposed, cognitive behavioral therapy has been beneficial (68). In practice it may be prudent for society to try and make amendments, within reason, where family, friends, colleagues or staff identify as suffering from EHS; regardless of whether the underlying mechanism is biophysical or psychological in nature.”

de Vocht F and Röösli M (2025) Electrohypersensitivity: what is belief and what is known? Front. Public Health. 13:1603692. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1603692

“Yet, whatever the cause, perceived sensitivity to EMF remains to disproportionally impact the lives of some individuals. In practice it may therefore be prudent for society to try and make amendments, within reason, where family, friends, colleagues or staff identify as suffering from EHS.”

Leszczynski D and de Vocht F (2025) Editorial: Individual sensitivity to wireless radiation. Front. Public Health 13:1744897. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1744897

“EHS is not real”

The claim that “EHS is not real” is inconsistent with the positions of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These organizations do not deny the existence of EHS as a reported and potentially debilitating condition. Instead, they acknowledge that the symptoms are real, while noting that scientific evidence has not established electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure as the cause. As such, stating that “EHS is not real” misrepresents their position.

Author overlap in EHS studies

Electrohypersensitivity (EHS) represents a severely disabling condition. These authors view the symptoms as not caused by electromagnetic exposure (Pitron, Haanes, Hillert et al., 2023, Environmental Research). It is worth noting that (some of) the same researchers who link EHS to nocebo mechanisms have published a protocol to investigate whether CBT might help people with EHS-like symptoms (Pitron et al., 2025). However, this overlap may raise concerns for individuals who feel their experiences have been minimized in the past. For people who have faced stigma or dismissal, the connection between the explanation and the proposed treatment can create mistrust—not necessarily toward CBT itself, but toward the wider research context.

Beyond mechanisms

Ultimately, debates about mechanisms should not distract from the lived reality of those affected. Regardless of how EHS is explained, some individuals experience real limitations that shape their daily lives, work, and relationships. Recognising this does not require agreement on causation, only a willingness to listen, accommodate where possible, and avoid unnecessary dismissal. For many, that stated willingness may matter as much as any specific intervention.

More on the topic: Access to Information in a Democracy https://www.emfsa.co.za/news/access-to-information-in-a-democracy/

References:

ICNIRP Chair, Rodney Croft: Electrohypersensitivity https://www.emfsa.co.za/ehs/icnirps-chair-rodney-croft-electrohypersensitivity/

WHO Electrohypersensitivity Backgrounder December 2005 https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/radiation-and-health/non-ionizing/hypersensitivity

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity : proceedings International Workshop on Electromagnetic Field Hypersensitivity, Prague, Czech Republic, October 25-27, 2004 13 May 2006 Report https://wkc.who.int/resources/publications/i/item/9789241594127

Frequently Asked Questions related to the ICNIRP RF EMF Guidelines 2020 https://www.icnirp.org/en/rf-faq/index.html

de Vocht F and Röösli M (2025) Electrohypersensitivity: what is belief and what is known? Front. Public Health. 13:1603692. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1603692 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1603692/full

Editorial: Individual sensitivity to wireless radiation https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1744897/full

Editorial: Individual sensitivity to wireless radiation: Important summary quote https://betweenrockandhardplace.wordpress.com/2025/12/05/ehs-editorial-by-leszczynski-and-de-vocht/

Victor Pitron, Jan Vilis Haanes, Lena Hillert, Ferenc Gàbor Köteles, Damien Léger, Cédric Lemogne, Steven Nordin, Renáta Szemerszky, Irene van Kamp, Christoph van Thriel, Michael Witthöft, Omer Van den Bergh, Electrohypersensitivity is always real, Environmental Research, Volume 218, 2023, 114840, ISSN 0013-9351, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2022.114840.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935122021673)

Pitron, V., Petzke, T., Zablith, I. et al. Efficacy of cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment for individuals living with symptoms associated with environmental factors (SAEF): protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychol 13, 1296 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03564-5 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40359-025-03564-5

*Photo by Marcel Strauß on Unsplash

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Dariusz Leszczynski https://doi.org/10.1515/reveh-2021-0038

Abstract

Part of the population considers themselves as sensitive to the man-made electromagnetic radiation (EMF) emitted by powerlines, electric wiring, electric home appliance and the wireless communication devices and networks. Sensitivity is characterized by a broad variety of non-specific symptoms that the sensitive people claim to experience when exposed to EMF. While the experienced symptoms are currently considered as a real life impairment, the factor causing these symptoms remains unclear. So far, scientists were unable to find causality link between symptoms experienced by sensitive persons and the exposures to EMF. However, as presented in this review, the executed to-date scientific studies, examining sensitivity to EMF, are of poor quality to find the link between EMF exposures and sensitivity symptoms of some people. It is logical to consider that the sensitivity to EMF exists but the scientific methodology used to find it is of insufficient quality. It is time to drop out psychology driven provocation studies that ask about feelings-based non-specific symptoms experienced by volunteers under EMF exposure. Such research approach produces only subjective and therefore highly unreliable data that is insufficient to prove, or to disprove, causality link between EHS and EMF. There is a need for a new direction in studying sensitivity to EMF. The basis for it is the notion of a commonly known phenomenon of individual sensitivity, where individuals’ responses to EMF depend on the genetic and epigenetic properties of the individual. It is proposed here that new studies, combining provocation approach, where volunteers are exposed to EMF, and high-throughput technologies of transcriptomics and proteomics are used to generate objective data, detecting molecular level biochemical responses of human body to EMF.

https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/reveh-2021-0038/html

IMPORTANT update on error added to: Leszczynski’s review of EHS science is available on-line https://betweenrockandhardplace.wordpress.com/2021/07/07/leszczynskis-review-of-ehs-science-is-available-on-line/

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Electrohypersensitivity (EHS): Similar to findings in IT, FR, and the NLs, a number of individuals have reported a variety of health problems that they relate to EMF exposure at home and in the workplace. Rulings have acknowledged that EMF-related health issues could result in workplace-related accidents or illness. The biggest obstacle to date has been identified as the miscommunication of, and the misunderstanding of the specific interactions between EM and biological organisms. Different EM spectrums can bring about different symptoms. Population vulnerability and bio-adaptation vary between mtDNA haplotype groups. The use of the term Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) has brought about further confusion and miscommunication. This is a result of bodies not adhering to the Climate Change Framework scientific-technical analysis for compensation mechanisms which defines the parameters of classification as Sensitivity, Adaptability, and Vulnerability. This has been further explored in the 2017 SA govt. published study. The organs of state reviews have endorsed efforts toward adaptability strategies so that vulnerability can be reduced by strengthening adaptive capacity. It is for this reason that the decision has been taken to help update the teaching curriculum in medicine with biophysics in an effort to address these misunderstandings. The study into the model development surrounding “EHS” has not only brought about better understanding but also advanced cost-effective treatments into other epigenetic and genetic disease models.

In SA, the capacity of EMF to affect biological functions has been investigated and confirmed in reviews of the Ombudsman, Commission, Magistrate, and High Court. The WHO health and disabilities publication uses “disabilities” as an umbrella term to cover a wide range of conditions. The term “disabilities” covers impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. An impairment is a problem in body function or structure; an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action; while a participation restriction is a problem experienced by an individual in life situations. Disability is thus not just a health problem. It is a complex phenomenon, reflecting the interaction between features of a person’s body (including physical, mental, neurological) and features of the society in which he or she lives. Overcoming the difficulties faced by people with disabilities requires interventions to remove environmental and social barriers. This makes it clear that people must be able to participate in society, function independently, and remain in their own living environment for as long as possible. Multiple international regulations confirm municipalities must promote this by virtue of providing facilities, assistance, and support. The government’s strategy toward bio-adaption solutions is not only showing promise for persons with “EHS” type complaints but also has benefits in other spheres as well.

Link to the report PDF  https://www.emfsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/World_Health_Organization_International.pdf

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Brown v. LAUSD establishes that symptoms of ‘electromagnetic hypersensitivity’ a.k.a. ‘Microwave Sickness’ could be deemed a ‘physical disability’ under the FEHA

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 26, 2021 / Today, JML Law announced it has won a major appeal in the California Court of Appeal that establishes that a plaintiff who pleads symptoms and physical manifestations of “electromagnetic hypersensitivity” has adequately alleged that they suffer from a “physical disability” under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”).

In the majority opinion handed down in the case, Brown v. LAUSD (Appeal No. B294240), the Court of Appeal recognized that it doesn’t matter whether or not other courts in the United States have recognized “electromagnetic hypersensitivity” as a disability under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) because JML Law’s client, Laurie Brown, has brought her case not under the ADA, but under FEHA, which is broader in scope. The Court of Appeal held that Brown sufficiently alleged that she suffered from a physical disability under the FEHA and that she sufficiently stated a cause of action for failure to accommodate, where she alleged that LAUSD refused to honor an accommodation which LAUSD had agreed to provide to Brown. The Court of Appeal stated that based on their reading of Brown’s First Amended Complaint, “LAUSD’s actions here do not align with those of an employer taking positive steps to accommodate the employee’s limitations.”

The complete published opinion by the Court of Appeal can be accessed at https://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/B294240.PDF.

Read more at: https://www.accesswire.com/viewarticle.aspx?id=637661&token=hzivngfkuma2h2xz6rhu

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Brown v. Los Angeles Unified School Dist., 2021 WL 631030 (Cal. Ct. App. 2021)

Laurie Brown, a teacher at Millikan Middle School, alleged she experienced chronic pain, which was allegedly caused by a new Wi-Fi system the school had installed.  Brown’s medical provider diagnosed her with “electromagnetic hypersensitivity sensitivity” (EHS).  Brown eventually quit, claiming she could not return to work “without being overcome with crippling pain.”  Among other things, Brown alleged discrimination based upon a physical disability, failure to accommodate her disability, and retaliation.  The trial court sustained the District’s demurrer to Brown’s complaint, but the Court of Appeal reversed, holding that Brown had sufficiently alleged a disability under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), even though at least two other (non-California) courts have held that EHS is not a recognized disability under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The Court also held that Brown had adequately alleged a cause of action for failure to provide a reasonable accommodation for a physical disability.  However, the appellate court agreed with the District that Brown had failed to allege a failure to engage in the interactive process or that any adverse action was taken against her with discriminatory or retaliatory motive – in short, there was a “disagreement between the parties as to whether the Wi-Fi was causing her disability.”

In a stunningly candid concurring opinion, Justice John Shepard Wiley Jr., expressed concern that this is the “first court in the United States of America – a nation of over 300 million people – to allow a claim that ‘Wi-Fi can make you sick.’”  Justice Wiley continued:  “The law worries about junk science in the courtroom.  One concern is that a partisan expert witness can bamboozle a jury with a commanding bearing, an engaging manner, and a theory that lacks respectable scientific support…  It does not take much experience as a trial judge in Los Angeles to realize the use of expert witnesses has run riot.”  A potential solution?  Justice Wiley suggests the use of court-appointed experts pursuant to Cal. Evid. Code §§ 730-732 – “few judges have tried this option, though, because the parties never suggest it.”

For more on the topic:

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by Jesse Wright | Dec 3, 2020

The call for affordable housing options in Perth has now been addressed by delegates for those who suffer from electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

The Director of the Electrosensitive Society, Sheena Symington, recently requested that Perth council begin discussions on providing safe housing options for people who suffer from electro-hyper-sensitivity. EHS refers to environmentally induced disability arising from WIFI emissions and other sources of electromagnetic radiation collectively known as electro-smog.

Symington’s request fits into the larger conversation of homelessness and affordable housing as she referenced Tay Valley Township zoning laws for the tiny home initiative, homes which are much smaller and thus more affordable than traditional residential structures. These homes can also be made portable as a means of relocation or emergency housing. For people with EHS, the tiny home initiative would help people build in, or relocate to, areas of low radiation.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/y62c82us

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12 November 2020

Guest post by Jessica Learmond-Criqui, a partner in employment and executive immigration law at North London firm Learmond Criqui Sokel.

James is a real case whose identity has been changed.

Please meet James. He first started feeling unwell in 1988 when a transmitting mast five metres from his home – which previously had only an aerial at the top as a relay station – had additional capacity added to it that year.

He started to have headaches and migraines which abated within 30 minutes of leaving the house and vicinity of the mast. When several mobile systems were added to the mast, headaches and brain fog were accompanied by burning across his shoulders and back, and a pricking tingling sensation in his body ‘like being electrocuted’.

His symptoms became worse, and his wife also suffered, when Tetra transmitters were added to the mast: stabbing pains in the shoulders, vertigo, blurred vision, pressure band around the head, headaches, cramping of hands, confusion and lack of concentration, disorientation, dizziness, dry cough, hot spots on the spine, to name just a few from a long list.

Read more at https://tinyurl.com/y5r3otn9

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Link to Croft’s presentation: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Regional-Presence/Europe/Documents/Events/2020/5G_EUR_CIS/Session%205_%20Rodney%20Croft%20-CROFT%20ITU%2023rd%20Oct%202020.pdf

To mock those with electrohypersensitivity in this way, by including the “Better Call Saul” image is, in our opinion, cruel, disrespectful and insensitive.

Regardless of what a scientist believes, respect for human beings and their rights should never be ignored. These rights are not to be mocked, especially on such a platform. Dignity is a basic human right and should not be violated.

It is totally unacceptable to target any group in society.

As per the image: “IEI‐EMF provocation case studies: A novel approach to testing sensitive individual”s https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bem.22095

The study quoted by Croft involved three test subjects only.

The problem with provocation studies:

BRIEF REPORT on the EHS provocation studies
Prepared by Dariusz Leszczynski, PhD, DSc (biochemistry)
Adjunct Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Helsinki, Finland
Chief Editor of ‘Radiation and Health’, a specialty of the ‘Frontiers in Public Health’, Lausanne, Switzerland
blogBRHP@gmail.com https://betweenrockandhardplace.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/leszczynski-updated-brief-report-on-ehs2.pdf

In our opinion, to belittle a portion of the population, as in Croft’s presentation, is not what one would expect from a professional body like ICNIRP

It is interesting to note that one of the authors in the provocation study referred to by Croft is Dr Sarah Loughran. She has just been appointed as the first Director of ARPANSA’s activities under the Government’s enhanced Electromagnetic Energy Program. https://www.arpansa.gov.au/news/arpansa-appoints-new-electromagnetic-energy-director

The WHO has a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct that all their members have to adhere to: https://www.who.int/about/ethics/code_of_ethics_full_version.pdf

The link above has since been removed and appears to have been replaced with https://www.who.int/about/ethics/ethical-principles

We could not locate the same for the members of ICNIRP.

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Dear everyone, if you are Canadian, please sign this petition, and no matter where you are, please share this with all the Canadians you know!

e-2729  Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:

We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:

1. Create an international classification of disease designation code in Canada for environmental sensitivities so that those affected may have access to medical care;

2. Include environmental sensitivities as a disability that must be accommodated on all relevant documents and forms in governmental departments and organizations that minister social assistance, housing, medical, and other public services; and

3. Ensure all indoor public spaces are declared scent and fragrance-free.

https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-2729

For more see: https://seriouslysensitivetopollution.org/2020/08/18/canadian-petition-for-people-with-chemical-and-environmental-sensitivities/

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French mayors have called for a halt to the construction of 5G mobile masts until health risks can be assessed.

The Green mayors of Bordeaux, Nantes, Grenoble and other big cities have joined a revolt against the technology amid fears of dangerous radio waves and damage to the environment.

Groups acting for “electro-sensitive” sufferers claim that the tranmissions damage health. “We know these waves have an impact on our brains and that people are showing electro-sensitive symptoms, with ever greater suspicions that they cause cancer,” said Sophie Pelletier, head of Priartem-Electro-sensibles de France association.

A subscription is required for the full article https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/frances-electro-sensibles-tell-macron-to-pause-5g-over-health-risks-5dg5l7ccz?fbclid=IwAR24iQA401s2ujPyGOHLpOqDiK01Ars5rqmkwRecGpWU7exCUTEHWj1KiUo

Related:

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