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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Heavy metal exposure in patients suffering from electromagnetic hypersensitivity

Lygia T. BudnikDavid Ghezel-ahmadiSimone HauserXaver BaurUlrich FrickJörg WeidemannAlice EngelNorbert Dahmen

subject

Malemedicine.medical_specialtyEnvironmental EngineeringElectromagnetic hypersensitivityElectromagnetic FieldsMetals HeavyInternal medicineHypersensitivitymedicineElectromagnetic devicesHumansEnvironmental ChemistryIn patientWaste Management and DisposalMercury bloodHeavy metal detoxificationChemistryHeavy metalsEnvironmental ExposureMercuryMiddle AgedPollutionLeadEnvironmental chemistryBody BurdenFemaleLead bloodmedicine.symptomCadmium

description

Abstract 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.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2009-04-26Science of The Total Environment
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.11.023