Experience of Polish Physicians on Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity

The aim of this project was to assess the knowledge of Polish physicians about the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on human health, their knowledge of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), and their experiences with patients who consider themselves hypersensitive to EMF. A questionnaire survey was conducted among physicians in a traditional paper-based format, as well as using an online form. Responses were obtained from 355 doctors of various specialties and with different levels of experience, both clinical and scientific. A subjective and objective assessment of the respondents' knowledge about the impact of EMF on humans leads to the disturbing conclusion that their knowledge cannot be considered broad. For example, the subjective self-assessment of knowledge in 1/3 of the respondents is at a very low or low level. Physicians do not seem to be familiar with the WHO guidelines for dealing with people who perceive themselves as hypersensitive to EMF. Respondents are aware of the low level of their knowledge about EMF and most of them are ready to improve their qualifications in this field. They also see the need to spread reliable knowledge about the EMF and its impact on society. The low assessment of doctors' knowledge of EMF and EHS is even more concerning as EHS is a phenomenon many encounter in their daily professional practice. Almost 45% of physicians declared that they had to deal with patients who associated their symptoms with the impact of EMF, and some physicians claim that they deal with such patients even several times a month or more often. These findings may lead to significant for public health conclusions. EHS is not a marginal phenomenon, and physicians are striving to properly address this condition. At the same time, their knowledge about EHS and about EMF in general is limited. In such cases, they are unable to adequately help their patients and may become a source of unreliable or unverified information, which could lead to anxiety.