HYPERSENSITIVE TO ELECTRICITY
-----------------------------
While cleaning up my files I found the following article
from the
Swedish firm LIBEREL. This company designs IT office work
areas, taking
into account environmental pollutants, including office equipment
chemical emissions and EMFs.
Don Maisch
CASE
HISTORIES OF PEOPLE WHO ARE HYPERSENSITIVE TO ELECTRICITY,
WHERE
EXPOSURE TO LOW LEVEL HIGH FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
FROM
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN SAID TO TRIGGER OFF SYMPTOMS
Martin
Andersson, Leif Westlund, Lars-Erik Eriksson
Department of Technical Research, LIBEREL AB*
Persons who describe symptoms of hypersensitivity to electricity
overreact especially to certain types of electrical equipment.
The aim
of our study has been to document the kind of EMF that is
generated,
exposing the person to these symptoms. Our study shows that
equipment
with strong harmonic generating electronics is often pointed
out as
being the cause of irritation.
Several studies have shown that stress hormones such as testosterone,
prolactine, thyroxine, etc., affect people who are hypersensitive
to
electricity. This is why the subjective irritation felt by
people who
are hypersensitive to electricity is, in some cases, given
as being
psychosomatic. (1)
Other studies have shown that low level radio frequency fields
can also
affect the same stress hormones. (2) A summary of scientific
literature
in Russia shows that the central nervous system, the autonomous
nervous
system and the cardiovascular system can be affected by EMF
in the VLF
range (3)
Methods
Persons who have been troubled by skin irritation (prickly
heat, itching
and red spots) as well as subjective symptoms derived from
the central
nervous system (fatigue, weakness, headaches), have described
where and
when their symptoms arise. They have noticed that when certain
equipment
or lighting is turned on, the symptoms become stronger. When
the same
equipment is turned off, the symptoms are not so strong or
are absent
altogether.
Measurements have been carried out in order to document which
kind of
EMF the equipment in question is generating when it is turned
on and
when it is turned off. In several cases the electromagnetic
fields have
been screened off. The person has then described how the symptoms
have
changed depending on the measures taken.
This study has been carried out at many work places throughout
Sweden
during a period of six years.
Measurements of the electromagnetic fields were done with
an instrument
from Radians Innova EMM-4, equipped with probes for both the
ELF and VLF
frequency ranges. The signal was monitored on a digital oscilloscope
and
via a portable computer stored on a diskette for later analysis.
Results
The case histories we have chosen and accounted for here
are typical for
the greater number of work places we have studied.
The Swedish Patient Association and studies that have been
published on
this subject, both in Sweden and abroad, describe the symptoms
in just
the same way as the persons we have examined.
The equipment documented in different environments shows
that people who
are hypersensitive to electricity experience greater irritation
in
connection with strong harmonic generating equipment. We noticed,
for
example, that ordinary electric bulb lighting with a strength
of 50 Hz
did not normally cause any irritation. But when a thyristor
was
connected to the lighting or it was replaced by high-frequency
ignition
fluorescent tubes, the symptoms got worse.
It was quite common for people to be able to point out which
of two
pieces of equipment that was causing more irritation without
knowing how
they differed technically, although they were similar in appearance.
Measurements showed that the equipment indicated as causing
more
irritation contained harmonic generating electronics whereas
the other
equipment did not.
Discussion
The results show that the intensity of the symptoms felt
by a person who
is hypersensitive to electricity coincides with how much they
are
exposed to low level radio frequency fields generated as harmonics
from
modern electronic equipment. Such equipment; for example,
display
terminals, fluorescent tubes including those with high-frequency
ignition, radio transmitting equipment, etc., is often described
as
giving strong symptoms by persons who are hypersensitive to
electricity.
People are being exposed more and more to high-frequency
electromagnetic
fields in modern offices. Radio communication and unscreened
high-frequency electronics are being installed at a fast pace.
It is not
unusual for workers to have difficulty in finding the FM band
on the
radio in Swedish offices, especially at the time of day when
there is a
lot of traffic on the computer network.
Studies have shown that the nervous system can be affected
by being
exposed to low levels of high-frequency EMF. Our study shows
that people
who are hypersensitive to electricity experience symptoms
when they are
exposed to such equipment. Older electrical environments,
consisting
mainly of EMF in the 50 Hz range are not felt to give the
same degree of
irritation.
It stands to reason that low level harmonics and electrical
noise
frequencies should be taken into account in epidemiological
and in
vitro/in vivo studies.
Correspondence to: AMA-Konsult AB, V. Falktrasket 16, 931
97
Skellefteå, Sweden. Fax no: +46 (0)910-777348. e-mail:
ama-konsult@telia.com
---------
EMR
and ALS - is there a link?
-------------------------------------
There is a recent study, which shows the correlation:
Association between occupational exposure to power frequency
electromagnetic fields and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:
a review.
Li CY, Sung FC.
Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic
University, Hsinchuang, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan Republic of China.
chungyi@mails.fju.edu.tw
BACKGROUND: For the past two decades, there has been concern
over
electromagnetic exposure and human health. While most research
has
focused on cancer and reproductive outcomes, there is interest
in the
relationship between electromagnetic fields (EMF) and neurodegenerative
diseases.
METHODS: We review epidemiological findings and evidence
regarding the
association between occupational exposure to power frequency
EMFs and
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Medline was searched
for citations
related to occupational hazards and ALS, literature reviews
and
epidemiological evaluations.
RESULTS: Nine out of the ten epidemiological studies that
have been
conducted on the risk of ALS in relation to occupational exposure
to EMF
show moderate to strong relative risk estimates that supported
a link
between them. Although data from these studies was consistent,
the
causal inference to a link between EMF exposure and ALS is
restricted
mainly due to the lack of direct information on EMF exposure
and
incomplete consideration of the other potential risk factors
for ALS at
workplaces. For instance, electric shock, in particular, is
more common
in electrical occupations than in any other occupations.
CONCLUSIONS: This review concludes that further studies should
consider
investigating the separate effect of EMF exposure and electrical
shocks
to make more specific interpretations. On-site measurements
of EMF
should be conducted to include information on EMF exposure
from
residences as well as workplaces to improve exposure assessment.
Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Am J Ind Med. 2003 Feb;43(2):212-20.
Source:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&l
ist_uids=12541277&dopt=Abstract&itool=iconabstr
I think you will find all further references in this study.
Best wishes,
Reinhard Rueckemann
Omega: see also http://www.grn.es/electropolucio/omega114.htm
--------
Re:
Blood flow changes Japanese study 2003
------------------------------------------------------
Dear Klaus: In regard to Dr. Miguel Muntane's question about
the
Japanese study regarding blood flow changes and his question
as to
whether there are other ways to check for sensitivity, I would
like to
offer the following comments:
Dr. Roger Coghill from the UK is well-known for his studies
regarding
changes in white blood cells, more specifically in "lymphocytes"
and
exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF's)/electromagnetic
radiation
(EMR);
Dr. Andrew Marino, Louisiana University, conducted studies
on guinea
pigs that consistently showed changes in lymphocytes in regard
to
EMF/EMR exposure;
Dr. Duane Dahlberg along with veterinarians conducted studies
on cows
that consistently showed changes in lymphocytes (I think also
neutrophils) -- "The 1994 Minnesota Herd Study"
-- as result of EMF/EMR
exposure.
As a "victim" (not an expert) of high voltage powerline
exposure, I
conducted studies in my own home on guinea pigs that correspond
to the
above studies that were done (I did not know the other studies
existed
at the time, however).
Findings in my guinea pigs included asthma and significant
lymphocytosis
and severe neutropenia as well as other problems such as epicarditis
and
amyloidosis. Sensitivity in both guinea pigs and humans in
our family
greatly increased when subjects were in close proximity to
electric
meters. Two grandchildren had rare immune deficiencies as
well as
chronic asthma and chronic sinus infections.
As with the recent findings in the Japanese study regarding
blood flow
changes, the other studies I mention support other information
that is
in existing literature to the effect that blood and bone marrow
are
particularly "radio-sensitive." Since it is possible
for dramatic
changes to occur in a time-period of approximately two weeks,
I continue
to emphasize the importance of evaluating the white blood
count
(including differentials) as an early indicator of electrosensitivity.
Joanne C. Mueller
Guinea Pigs R Us
731 - 123rd Avenue N.W.
Minneapolis, MN 55448 USA
Phone: 763-755-6114
and
Klaus: In response to "old trumpet," regarding
EMR exposure and ALS (Lou
Gehrig's Disease), there are many who know that the 2002 California
EMF
Study does confirm a connection to brain cancer, childhood
Leukemia, ALS
and miscarriage.
Information regarding the California Study can be found on
Dr. Roger
Conant's website: http://www.powerlinefacts.com
Since my husband and I have been battling two high voltage
lines for
over 30 years and my husband has "profound and unusual
memory loss"
(most likely Alzheimers), I would appreciate hearing directly
from "old
trumpet" in regard to his or her ALS and his or her proximity
to the
power lines. Thanks. Joanne Mueller (JCMPelican@aol.com)
and
Dear Klaus
Re: Dr. Miguel Muntané,
"There has so far been no method to test for hypersensitivity
to
electromagnetic waves?"
I have been working with EM hypersensitive patients since
1982 and at
the age of 73 I would be delighted if someone else would also
take an
interest in these unfortunates. EM hypersensitivity is found
in patients
with on-going multiple chemical sensitivities. If the chemical
problems
can be cured, the electrical problems usually go too. Society
will
eventually have to choose between chemical and electrical
pollution of
the environment, it may not be possible to have both.
My first publications on EM sensititvities were:
Choy RYS, Monro JA , Smith CW. Electrical Sensitivities in
Allergy
Patients. Clinical Ecology 4(3): 93-102, 1987.
Smith CW, Choy RYS, Monro JA. The Diagnosis and Therapy of
Electrical
Hypersensitivities. Clinical Ecology 6(4): 119-128, 1990.
If you give me your e-mail address, I will send my full bibliography
in
this area.
Regards to all,
Cyril Smith.
--------
Cell
phones, etc: industry muzzles and punishes those who dare
say they
are dangerous to health
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Experts investigating biological effects of cell phone radiation
asked
to shut up or quit jobs
http://www.laleva.cc/environment/cellphones.html
--------
National
Antenna Website Launch
-------------------------------
Please Note:
The URLs for the National Antenna Consultation website are
http://www.antennareview.ca
(English) and http://www.antenneexamin.ca
(French). Thank you very much.
David A. Townsend
Professor of Law
University of New Brunswick
Wk phone//messages: 506.453.4720
Wk fax: 506.453.4548
Home phone: 506.453.7826
townsend@unb.ca
--------
Mind
Control
------------
link:
http://www.sharelynx.net/Markets/Misc7.htm#Mind
Information: Ruth Gill
--------
FOREST
SERVICE SECRETLY TARGETING SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS FOR MAJOR LOGGING
http://www.peer.org/press/385.html
CUT
UNDERWATER CABLE THREATENS CORAL REEFS
http://www.peer.org/press/382.html
--------
Huge
radiation levels in Iraq -- denial continues
-------------------------------------------------
Dangerously High Levels of Radiation Measured Around Baghdad
Sep 01 2003 15:05:42 ET
EXPRESS [LONDON] // please note: doc contains my titles,
comment at the
end for original refer to http://www.drudgereport.com/flash4.htm
My comments:
The deadly impact of uranium munitions as well as even larger
bunker
busters is grossly underestimated in the article. Numbers
are completely
flawed. 5,000 of them chronically ill and almost 600 dead
- instead of
330,000 chronically ill and 12,000 dead, in USA only, according
to
Douglas Rokke (see my Brussels paper).
These numbers do not include UK, Canada, Australia, Syria,
Kuwait, etc..
The death toll in Iraq is estimated 5 to 10 times higher than
above
numbers; more than one million might already be chronically
ill.
Moritaki-san's group from Hiroshima measured up to 4,000
times higher
radiation levels than normal in places in Baghdad.
Christian Scherrer
--------
O.T.
themes:
What
Victory? Who's Wrong Now, Mr. Rumsfeld?
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article4591.htm
Americans
must be aware that they have won themselves an everlasting
hatred of Arab states
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article4593.htm
Resistance
in Iraq Is Home Grown
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wvpe/news.newsmain?action=
article&ARTICLE_ID=540707
Iraq
War Eroding World's Post-Sept. 11 Sympathy for US
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=31324&d
=3&m=9&y=2003&pix=opinion.jpg&category=Opinion
Countries
Resist Aid To Iraq
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A11848-2003Sep1.html
Army
Says US Soldier In Iraq Dies Of 'Acute Leukemia'
http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=0-ARMYPAPER-2152000.php
Informant: George Paxinos
--------
'Come
and Help us in Iraq,' U.S. Soldiers Urge World
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wvpe/news.newsmain?action=
article&ARTICLE_ID=540975
'America
is building a world order'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/editor/story/0,12900,1034308,00.html
The
blind prophet
http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,3604,1034488,00.html
Attacks
on US Personnel in Iraq Rising
http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org/newsArticle.asp?id=1059
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