A group of 727 people with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) and multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) were studied. This was to define more clearly these syndromes and to identify their common chemical biomarkers*.

Two-thirds of the subjects were women and the average age was 47. Blood samples were checked for histamine as a cause for the inflammation seen in these patients. Forty percent showed histamine elevation. Biomarkers for increased free radicals and evidence for impaired blood-brain barrier** function was found in 28%. Antibodies against myelin were seen in 23%, indicating an element of autoimmunity in these two syndromes.

Urinary studies for melatonin “revealed a deficiency in all cases” studied. This is in agreement with the common complaint of insomnia in people with these two syndromes***. Cerebral ultrasound computed tomography testing suggested that the inflammatory processes involve the limbic system and the thalamus portions of the brain in EHS and MCS.

CONCLUSION: Electromagnetic hypersensitivity and multiple chemical sensitivity syndromes have similar inflammatory mechanisms. This can be easily studied by laboratory testing of blood and urine. Both syndromes are associated with insufficient melatonin blood levels.

NOTES: *Biomarkers are chemical tests of the human body which can indicate a state of health or disease.

**Blood-brain barrier is a selective barrier to the passage of chemicals from the blood to the extracellular fluid of the brain.

***People with the above two syndromes may be improved by oral melatonin before bedtime.

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PMID: 26613326.

Summary #787.