A new article published on the website of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN),
Swiss Confederation
Link to the network (in French, German, Italian): MedNIS
Electrosensitivity: A new medical advice network
The disorder is not scientifically recognized, yet the suffering of electrosensitive people is very real. A new medical advice network intends to improve their care. This measure is based on a decision of the Federal Council.
Text: Carole Berset - unofficial auto-translation
Bruno Cardona suffers from electrosensitivity. He has implemented a series of solutions to disconnect
and therefore limit his pain. © Saskja Rosset | Lunax
Recurrent headaches, concentration and memory problems: in Switzerland, around 5% of the population reports suffering from electrosensitivity. “This rate varies between 1% and around 10% depending on the studies. A report from the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) of France in 2018 evaluated studies of the prevalence of this disorder over several years, and estimated that it would be around 5%,” explains Maurane Riesen, scientific collaborator at the FOEN. No causal link has been scientifically established between the appearance of electrosensitivity and exposure to electromagnetic fields (also called electrosmog). However, the suffering of electrosensitive people is real and has been associated with a variety of symptoms such as redness, burning sensations, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, nausea, heart palpitations and digestive problems. According to the ANSES report, radio frequency sources (Wi-Fi, mobile telephony, relay antennas) and low frequency sources (electrical lines and installations) are most often blamed by people during the appearance of this condition.
Switzerland has one of the strictest regulations in the world to protect the population against radiation. In 2000, the Federal Council put into force the ordinance on protection against non-ionizing radiation based on the one hand on the standards of the International Commission for Protection against Non-Ionizing Radiation. The country also applies a precautionary principle to further limit the prolonged exposure of the population to electromagnetic fields in places known as sensitive use such as homes, schools, hospital rooms or permanent workstations. Despite everything, some electrosensitive people feel insufficiently protected.
A suffering that is too little recognized
“An isolation test, which consists of not exposing myself for a certain period, allowed me to understand that I was deeply affected by the electromagnetic pollution of my environment, to the point of no longer being able to lead a normal life," confides Bruno Cardona, therapist and geobiologist – member of the committee of the Alerte Romande aux Rayonnements Artificiels association, which brings together these intolerant people in French-speaking Switzerland. "I suffered from electromagnetic field intolerance syndrome (EMFIS) for three years. My blood tests were normal, so my family doctor told me there was nothing he could do for me. It was only in 2021 that a specialized doctor analyzed my clinical picture and carried out specific analyses. It was a relief to be heard and receive medical help."
To date, medicine does not know the mechanisms of action responsible for electrosensitivity. There are also no validated criteria or measurements that would allow a diagnosis to be made. Doctors often find themselves helpless when faced with this problem. “I experienced a solitary medical journey, often accompanied by denial of my symptoms and their origin, even from those close to me. With hindsight, I realized that the medical profession was not trained in these kinds of symptoms,” emphasizes Bruno Cardona. These situations can result in very significant financial and personal costs. “We believe that a network of specially trained doctors can help provide better medical care and can help improve the well-being of people who consider themselves electrosensitive. Strongly impacted by the suffering they experience on a daily basis, some electrosensitive people sometimes radically change their lives in order to escape sources of electromagnetic radiation,” explains Maurane Riesen.
Improving medical care
“Strict electromagnetic hygiene is necessary for me. So I haven't had a cell phone for three years or WiFi, which I replaced with Ethernet cabling. I shielded the side walls of my apartment to protect myself from neighbors' WiFi as well as the walls facing the street against the constantly increasing ambient electrosmog. My social life has shrunk considerably as a result", explains Bruno Cardona. Anti-wave clothing such as caps, neck warmers, overalls and computer keyboard gloves also constitute essential protective measures for him.
Based on a report published in 2019 by a working group of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications regarding mobile telephony and radiation, the Federal Council decided in 2020 to implement exposure monitoring and an environmental medicine consultation service on non-ionizing radiation. “The FOEN commissioned the Institute of Family Medicine at the University of Friborg to create the first Swiss medical advice network on non-ionizing radiation MedNIS, which was launched in September 2023,” explains Maurane Riesen. Made up of doctors practicing throughout Switzerland who have benefited from training provided within MedNIS, the center intends to improve the care of electrosensitive people and support family doctors in monitoring their patients. “The objective is also to develop a medical and scientific base on which to rely in order to offer ever more appropriate treatments, and to continue research into electrosensitivity. Setting up a cohort of individuals who agree to share their information should help improve understanding of this issue,” concludes Maurane Riesen.
Supporting patients and doctors
How can the MedNIS network improve the situation of patients?
Diana Walther: Electrosensitive people often suffer a double whammy. In addition to sometimes very disabling symptoms, their suffering is not always recognized by the medical profession, the employer, their loved ones or society. The objective is to offer them a place where they are taken seriously, as well as holistic care, which will need to be adapted and improved over the years based on their feedback and that of family doctors.
Why is it so important for family doctors to have such a center?
DW: Thanks to MedNIS, family doctors who are unfamiliar with electrosensitivity now have the opportunity to refer their patients to a specialist. Individuals who suspect electromagnetic hypersensitivity can therefore go to a medical advisor from the MedNIS network present in their region for a consultation at the TARMED rate. This constitutes valuable support for further follow-up, which then continues to be carried out with the family doctor.
What does the training followed by MedNIS network specialists consist of?
DW: Different themes are covered over a full day. In addition to an important section concerning the epidemiology, symptoms and history of electromagnetic hypersensitivity, we review the sources and measures of exposure, as well as the legal bases. We have also selected a list of recommended literature for this subject. From 2024, we plan to organize one continuing education day per year, as well as quarterly quality circles where doctors can discuss the results of their patient care.
What are the treatment options for electrosensitivity today?
DW: One of the first pillars consists of reducing sources of exposure, while respecting a principle of proportionality so that people do not find themselves totally isolated, for example. At the same time, it is about improving their general health to make them more resilient and less vulnerable to electromagnetic fields. Good sleep, a balanced diet and regular physical activity help restore balance. Certain vitamin and mineral supplements or dietary supplements may help some people. Each situation must nevertheless be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Last modification 03.04.2024
Original text in French:
https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/fr/home/themes/electrosmog/dossiers/electrosensibilite-un-nouveau-reseau-de-conseil-medical.html
Text in German:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.