National EHS Awareness Day Date in the current year: June 10, 2024

The term “electromagnetic hypersensitivity” (EHS) refers to a claimed sensitivity to electromagnetic fields emitted by cell phone towers, portable phones, mobile devices, power lines, Wi-Fi, etc., which can cause a variety of non-specific symptoms. EHS is not an accepted medical diagnosis; it is a mainly self-reported condition that currently has no scientific basis. Some researchers consider it a psychological condition, possibly a type of phobia.

EHS symptoms may vary from person to person. Common reported symptoms include ache and pain in muscles, burning or prickling sensation on the skin, difficulty concentrating, digestive problems, dizziness, fatigue, heart palpitation, headaches, nausea, rashes, sleep disturbances, stress, and many other health problems.

Although there is no scientific proof that these symptoms are caused by exposure to electromagnetic fields, they are very real and can cause significant psychological distress. EHS can be a debilitating condition that impairs quality of life. The World Health Organization recommends that patients claiming to have EHS be evaluated to determine whether they have an underlying physical or psychological condition that causes their symptoms. Studies have shown that at least some of the symptoms can be caused by the nocebo effect, i.e. when a patient experiences a negative reaction because they have been expecting it.

The most common approach to managing EHS is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients develop personal coping strategies. Although CBT was originally developed for the treatment of depression, it has shown varying degrees of success in helping people cope with some other conditions, including EHS.

Some people who feel they have EHS treat themselves by reducing their exposure to electromagnetic fields (avoiding sources of exposure when possible, disconnecting devices when not using them, using screening or shielding devices) and resorting to alternative medicine to manage their symptoms.

National EHS Awareness Day was launched in 2020 by DefenderShield, a health and wellness technology company that specializes in the production of EMF and 5G shielding solutions. It was created to raise awareness of a medical condition that might not be officially recognized, but its symptoms are real and can significantly affect people’s quality of life.

On National EHS Awareness Day, people with EHS are encouraged to come forward and share their stories in order to raise awareness of this little-known disorder and the negative effects of technology on people’s lives. You can get involved by learning more about EHS and its symptoms, giving up your gadgets for a day (even if you don’t believe in EHS, a digital detox won’t hurt), and spreading the word on social media with the hashtag #NationalEHSAwarenessDay.