Redefining electrosensitivity: A new literature-supported model

ABSTRACT

In critically examining literature on electrohypersensitivity and the reported somatic responses to anthropogenic modulated radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure, it becomes apparent that electrohypersensitivity is one part of a range of consequences. Current evidence on the necessity of considering patients’ overall health status leads us to propose a new model in which electrohypersensitivity is but part of the electrosensitive status inherent in being human. We propose the likelihood and type of response to environmental RFR include i) a linear somatic awareness continuum, ii) a non-linear somatic response continuum, and iii) the extent of each individual’s capacity to repair damage (linked to homeostatic response). We anticipate this last, dynamic, aspect is inextricably linked to the others through the autonomic nervous system. The whole is dependent upon the status of the interconnected immune and inflammatory systems. This holistic approach leads us to propose various outcomes. For most, their body maintains homeostasis by routine repair. However, some develop electrohypersensitivity either due to RFR exposure or as an ANS-mediated, unconscious response (aka nocebo effect), or both. We suggest RFR exposure may be one factor in the others developing an auto-immune disease or allergy. A few develop delayed catastrophic disease such as glioma. This model gives the blanket term ElectroMagnetic Illness (EMI) to all RFR-related conditions. Thus, EHS appears to be one part of a range of responses to a novel and rapidly changing evolutionary situation.

KEYWORDS:

• Electrohypersensitivity
• electrosensitivity
• inflammation
• non-ionising radiation
• NIR
• homeostasis
• nocebo
• Autonomic Nervous System
• immune dysregulation

Acknowledgments

Mary Redmayne acknowledges use of the library facilities of Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and Monash University, Australia. Siobhan Reddel acknowledges constructive feedback and engagement from patients and clients suffering with conditions related to underlying autonomic nervous system dysregulation.

Declaration of interest

MR provides occasional unpaid scientific opinions and feedback to EHT, PHIRE, ORSAA, and BBE NZ. SR has no conflicts of interest to report.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed on the publisher’s website.

Notes

¹ There is substantial support for many sections of this paper as well as background contextual information in the supplementary online material.

² Participants drawn from social media groups “thematically not connected to environmental intolerances”.

³ Note, it is possible to be hyper-sensitive/allergic to the sun. This condition is called solar urticaria.

⁴ Recognising that there can be emotive/esteem advantages to both phone calls and sunbathing that could influence over-ride of feedback.

⁵ Traditionally termed EHS.

⁶ Part of the ANS forming a mesh of micro-vessels governing the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

⁷ IEI is another, less specific, terminology sometimes used and includes EHS.

⁸ “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (1948).