Electromagnetic fields: electromagnetic hypersensitivity
Updated 15 May 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electromagnetic-fields/electromagnetic-fields-electromagnetic-hypersensitivity
This page has been introduced as part of a restructuring of the Electromagnetic Fields guidance webpages. The content reflects existing UKHSA advice and does not represent any new or revised position.
Some people consider themselves as electromagnetic hypersensitive (EHS), meaning they feel they can sense low levels of electromagnetic fields in everyday environments and experience symptoms which affect their health. Many studies have now been carried out on this subject, and the evidence has been reviewed by authoritative bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER) and Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR). The reviews suggest the symptoms reported are not directly related to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). This does not undermine the importance of the symptoms that are experienced, but it does suggest causes other than those directly related to EMFs should be considered.
Unfortunately, the symptoms many people complain of are all too common in society, not just in those who consider themselves to be ill. The Health Protection Agency, UKHSA’s predecessor, published a review of the public health aspects of EHS in 2005 and this included comments on the management of affected individuals and evaluation of treatment options.
WHO states that:
EHS has no clear diagnostic criteria and there is no scientific basis to link EHS symptoms to EMF exposure. Further, EHS is not a medical diagnosis, nor is it clear that it represents a single medical problem. […] Treatment of affected individuals should focus on the health symptoms and the clinical picture, and not on the person’s perceived need for reducing or eliminating EMF in the workplace or home.
For more information on WHO’s advice please follow the link: Radiation and health
Related documents
- AGNIR report 2012 (RCE-20)
- SCHEER 2023. Opinion on the need of a revision of the annexes in the Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC and Directive 2013/35/EU, in view of the latest scientific evidence available with regard to radiofrequency (100kHz - 300GHz)