Modern health worries and exposure perceptions of individuals reporting varying levels of sensitivity to electromagnetic fields: Results of two successive surveys

Maryse Ledent ^1,2* Benjamin Vatovez ³ Philippe Roelandt ³ Jimmy Bordarie ⁴ Maël Dieudonné ^5,6 Els De Waegene ⁷ Caroline Kremer ² Laura Boucher ² Catherine Bouland ² Eva Maria De Clercq ¹

• ¹ Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
• ² École de Santé Publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
• ³ Institut Scientifique de Service Public, Liège, Liège, Belgium
• ⁴ EE 1901 Quality of Life and Psychological Health, Université de Tours, Tours, France
• ⁵ Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, Rhône-Alpes, France
• ⁶ FRE3768 Institut des Sciences de l'Homme (ISH), Lyon, Rhône-Alpes, France
• ⁷ Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium

Individuals who claim to be affected by idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) report symptoms linked to EMF exposure. Uncertainties about the causes of these symptoms often leave them seeking their own care solutions. In our connected societies, they may limit their exposure, leading to a spiral of avoidance that negatively impacts overall health. Our objective is to gain insights into the characteristics of people who report sensitivity to EMFs in an attempt to provide care guidance. This study focuses on modern health worries (MHW), behaviours, and exposure perceptions of people reporting various sensitivity levels to EMFs during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which altered habits and increased telecommunication device use. We conducted two surveys during relaxed lockdown periods in Belgium (June/July 2020 and February/March 2021). A total of 97 and 285 participants, respectively, answered a questionnaire on sensitivity to EMFs, MHW, exposure perception, and strategies to limit EMF exposure. We applied nonparametric descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses. Higher sensitivity to EMFs correlates with greater MHW regarding EMF sources and more strategies to limit EMF exposure. However, these strategies were inconclusive, as many still felt highly exposed to EMFs. Given the high distress, social isolation, and professional difficulties faced by some EMF sensitive individuals, the relevance of exposure avoidance strategies is questionable. People who perceive high sensitivity to EMFs report worries and avoidance behaviors, yet still feel highly exposed. The findings suggest exploring new care avenues.