project summary
The research topic is electro-hyper-sensitivity (EHS) and what can be done to reduce the effects on people that suffer from it. The term EHS is used for persons that claim an extraordinary sensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Although it is recognized as a functional impairment with real symptoms, it is not a disease. There are researchers that even contest the relation to EMF as there is no objective evidence. For that reason it is sometimes labeled as ideopathic environmental intolerance (IEI).
The research questions are:
1. Can a relation to EMF or a specific subset thereof be scientifically proven?
2. If so, what measures can be taken to mitigate the experienced functional impairments?
3. Assuming specific sources cannot be removed, is total shielding an option or are certain electromagnetic effects essential for a good quality of life? (Example: light but there might be others);
4. Can a specific room in any house be modified to accommodate EHS sufferers in the sense that they can recover from the symptoms they develop outside it?
Objectives:
1. Find scientific evidence for the physical agents, in the context of this research electromagnetic fields, claimed to be responsible for EHS/IEI. Could be specific (i.e. a subset);
2. Find whether certain types of EMF have an effect on human well-being. This could be a positive or a negative effect;
3. Determine mitigation measures for the types of EMF that have a negative effect and either remove unfavorable sources or shield their fields;
4. Describe how these measures could be applied to modify a room in a building to provide a 'refuge' for people affected by EHS.