Electrosensitivity: "A Disability that Cannot be Dismissed"

Example of a person said to suffer from hypersensitivity
to magnetic fields.  ©BONY/SIPA

Electrosensitivity:  "A disability that cannot be dismissed"

by Hugo Jalinière, Sciences et Avenir,

27 August 2015 (translated by the Editor of "Towards Better Health")

"Sciences et Avenir" interviewed Dr. Pierre Biboulet, the medical expert appointed by the Court of Toulouse which for the first time in France accorded an adult with disabilities allowance for reasons of hyper-electrosensitivity.

A judgement rendered by the Incapacity Dispute Court of Toulouse (TCI) accorded for the first time in France an adult with disabilities allowance to a woman, Marine Richard, attributing her disability to hyper-electrosensitivity.  She says she suffers very strong headaches and cardiac arrhythmia after several hours' exposure to electromagnetic waves.  The decision of the TCI could thus be a landmark since, scientifically, there is still no consensus on the reality of a medical condition induced by magnetic fields.  In order to learn the motivations which led to this decision, "Sciences et Avenir" interviewed the medical expert appointed by the TCI of Toulouse, Dr. Pierre Biboulet.

Sciences et Avenir:  How did you set about making your evaluation?

Dr. Pierre Biboulet:  I acted like a doctor.  I adopted a humane approach, not to say humanistic.  I went to meet Marine Richard in the mountains of Ariège in a white zone, and I listened to her at length.  We remained three hours together and she convinced me she was sick.  It is impossible to dismiss her illness.  It is also evident that she cannot live in the current social environment.  As an expert, I sought to be objective, realistic, and humanistic.

Where do your conclusions fit into today's scientific debate?

I am well aware that there is no scientific consensus on the issue.  My position was not to decide, either in one sense or the other because currently, there are no acquired proven data.  But the disability Marine Richard is suffering cannot be dismissed.  Even if it were psychiatric - which I do not believe it is - it is still a disability which de facto merits being addressed.  Personally, I believe it is more and more difficult today to say that hyper-electrosensitivity does not exist.  This is why I mentioned this "syndrome of hypersensitivity to electromagnetic waves" - which exists in other countries.  Because no matter what clinical reality it comprises, it is the origin of Mrs. Richard's disability.  Even if the French healthcare system does not recognize it officially.

The diagnosis established by Dr. Pierre Biboulet for the TCI of Toulouse.

The diagnosis:  syndrome of hypersensitivity to electromagnetic waves.  If it is not part of the acquired proven data of our French healthcare system, it is recognized by other countries.  The description of the clinical symptoms is irrefutable.  The symptoms disappear once the causes are eliminated: but this elimination imposes a lifestyle and sacrifices which do not allow the slightest suspicion of simulation.  In a protected environment (without waves), the disability is invalid, in a hostile environment, it can reach 100%.

Source:  Transcript of the report of the judgement of the TCI of Toulouse (see pdf below).

Judgement of EHS Disability 2015 08 (in French)

Original article in French:
http://www.sciencesetavenir.fr/sante/electrosensibilite-un-handicap-qui-ne-peut-pas-etre-nie_29440