For decades, individuals worldwide have reported experiencing a range of symptoms, including chronic headaches, insomnia, heart palpitations, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties. Many believe these symptoms are linked to prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted by modern technologies such as cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, and other wireless devices. Until recently, this condition was known by various names, including electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) and microwave syndrome. However, a new effort to unify and destigmatize the condition has led to the introduction of a standardized term: Electromagnetic Radiation Syndrome (EMR Syndrome).
A shift toward recognition and clarity
The OneName Project, an initiative launched to address confusion and stigma surrounding the condition, introduced the term “EMR Syndrome” in January 2025. This initiative aims to provide a clear and universally recognized name that accurately describes the condition and facilitates greater awareness, research, and policy changes. The lack of a widely accepted name has long hindered advocacy efforts, research funding, and public health measures. By consolidating the various terms under one label, the OneName Project hopes to bridge the gap between affected individuals, medical professionals, and policymakers.
Ruth F. Moss, a marketing professional and activist who personally experiences symptoms attributed to EMR exposure, expressed her frustration with the previous terminology. “When I was first diagnosed, I received different explanations from various sources. If a condition is referred to in many different ways, it’s difficult for the public to understand what it really is. We need a single term that people can recognize and remember.”
The science behind EMR syndrome
Concerns about the health effects of EMR exposure date back several decades. Reports of adverse health effects began surfacing in the 1980s, with some individuals reporting hypersensitivity to electricity. More recent research has attempted to assess the prevalence of EMR-related symptoms. A 2020 peer-reviewed study found that between 1.6% and 10.3% of populations in various countries reported symptoms consistent with EMR Syndrome. Another study conducted in Poland from 2020 to 2023 estimated that electromagnetic hypersensitivity prevalence ranged from 1.1% to 21.9%, depending on the criteria applied.
Scientific studies on EMR-related health effects have yielded mixed results. Some researchers suggest that symptoms may have a physiological basis, while others propose psychological factors, such as the nocebo effect (where a person experiences symptoms due to their belief that something is harmful), play a role. However, growing evidence indicates potential physiological changes in individuals exposed to EMR.
Dr. Sharon Goldberg, an integrative medicine specialist and member of the OneName Project’s decision-making board, emphasized the importance of rebranding the condition. “The term ‘electromagnetic hypersensitivity’ often led to dismissive attitudes in medical settings, implying that the problem was merely an individual’s sensitivity rather than a broader environmental issue. The introduction of ‘EMR Syndrome’ is an important step toward changing that perception.”
Regulatory challenges and legal battles
Despite increasing reports of health issues linked to EMR exposure, regulatory agencies have been slow to respond. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has not updated its wireless radiation exposure limits since 1996, despite significant advancements in technology and growing research on potential health risks. Some advocacy groups have challenged regulatory bodies, arguing that current EMR safety standards are outdated and insufficient to protect public health.
Advocates for stricter regulations call for measures such as lower exposure limits, safer technology designs, and increased public awareness campaigns. “We are fighting for systemic change,” said Pam Wallace, a technology safety activist and member of the OneName Project’s advisory board. “This isn’t just about terminology—it’s about ensuring that people can live in environments that don’t compromise their health.”
Community action and local policies
In the absence of federal action, some local governments have taken steps to regulate EMR exposure. Some cities have introduced regulations requiring cell towers to be installed at least 500 meters away from homes, schools, and businesses, based on recommendations from independent research committees. These efforts reflect growing concerns about the long-term health effects of electromagnetic exposure and highlight the role of grassroots activism in influencing policy.
At the community level, affected individuals are forming support networks, sharing coping strategies, and pushing for policy changes. Some have even relocated to remote areas with minimal electromagnetic pollution, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “electromagnetic refugees.”
The road ahead
The adoption of “EMR Syndrome” as the official term for this condition is a critical milestone in the fight for recognition and research. However, the debate over EMR’s health effects is far from settled. More scientific studies are needed to establish clear links between EMR exposure and reported symptoms, and regulatory agencies must reassess safety standards to reflect current technological realities.
As awareness grows and advocacy efforts gain momentum, the hope is that those suffering from EMR Syndrome will no longer be dismissed or stigmatized but instead will receive the support and recognition they deserve. The OneName Project’s initiative marks a step in the right direction, but the journey toward widespread acknowledgment and effective regulation is only just beginning.
