Ghezel-Ahmadi D, Engel A, Weidemann J, Budnik LT, Baur X, Frick U, Hauser S, Dahmen N. Department of Psychiatry, University of Mainz, German

Sci Total Environ. 2010 Jan 15;408(4):774-8. Epub 2009 Nov 22.

BACKGROUND:
Risks from electromagnetic devices are of considerable concern. Electrohypersensitive (EHS) persons attribute a variety of rather unspecific symptoms to the exposure to electromagnetic fields. The pathophysiology of EHS is unknown and therapy remains a challenge.

OBJECTIVES:
Heavy metal load has been discussed as a potential factor in the symptomatology of EHS patients. The main objective of the study was to test the hypothesis of a link between EHS and heavy metal exposure.

METHODS:
We measured lead, mercury and cadmium concentrations in the blood of 132 patients (n=42 males and n=90 females) and 101 controls (n=34 males and n=67 females).

RESULTS:
Our results show that heavy metal load is of no concern in most cases of EHS but might play a role in exceptional cases.

CONCLUSIONS: The data do not support the general advice to heavy metal detoxification in EHS.

More research into the health effects of EMR

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