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Journal of Public Health

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21.12.2017 | Original Article

Descriptive self-reporting survey of people with idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF): similarities and comparisons with previous studies

verfasst von: Soafara Andrianome, René De Seze, Anne Braun, Brahim Selmaoui

Erschienen in: Journal of Public Health | Ausgabe 4/2018

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Abstract

Context

In France, cases of people self-reporting symptoms due to electromagnetic fields (EMF) or idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF) have emerged over the past 10 years. Several self-help and action groups have claimed an increasing number of members. However, little is known about this population in France.

Aim

Our primary objective was to describe the reported symptoms and the sources that may induce these symptoms through a questionnaire-based study. Secondly, we discussed our results alongside those obtained from the existing literature and provide an overview of this physical condition.

Subjects and methods

From April to November 2014, a self-questionnaire survey was conducted in France. With 52 participants, the average age of respondents was 50 ± 11 years and the majority of participants at 79% were women.

Results

Our study results in the French population were consistent with findings in the literature conducted in other countries and also highlighted a number of emerging EMF sources such as wireless area networks, to be perceived as possible causes of symptoms.

Conclusions

Despite methodological differences, we summarized facts from previous comparable investigations. We also provided an overview of people claiming EMF effects and briefly discussed possible avenues of research.

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Titel: Descriptive self-reporting survey of people with idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF): similarities and comparisons with previous studies
verfasst von: Soafara Andrianome
René De Seze
Anne Braun
Brahim Selmaoui
Publikationsdatum: 21.12.2017
Verlag: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in: Journal of Public Health / Ausgabe 4/2018
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Elektronische ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-017-0886-0

Springer Medizin

Abstract

Context

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusions

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