Chronic fatigue link to use of appliances

By ANNE BESTON

Electrical appliances in the home could be causing illness, according to a study by an independent researcher in collaboration with Massey University.

The pilot study of 41 Australians suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome found a few simple changes in the home reduced or even eliminated the symptoms.

Researcher Don Maisch, a long-time campaigner for safer use of electric appliances, said prolonged exposure to household appliances including electric blankets, heated water beds and bedheads positioned next to the meter box could contribute to chronic fatigue.

"The electricity industry does not want its clients to know about the potential harm of electromagnetic fields because of its concerns about possible future litigation," he said.

"But I think the evidence is now so persuasive that the power companies would be better off being seen to take a precautionary approach than continuing to deny the possibility of adverse side-effects of their product."

The pilot study was carried out in Australia and was a collaboration between Mr Maisch, a former nuclear power plant building designer who now sits on a number of electricity watchdog groups in Australia, and Massey University School of Psychology associate professor John Podd.

"Somewhat surprisingly, the findings of this study showed that proximity of power lines was not the issue," Professor Podd said.

"It was the use of electricity within the home that was the main source of exposure."

Staying at arm's length from appliances such as computers and televisions greatly reduced exposure to electromagnetic fields, he said.

Mr Maisch said there was no conclusive evidence of what caused chronic fatigue syndrome but the medical establishment was not considering the possibility that electromagnetic fields could be a factor.

The illness is characterised by a dysfunctional immune system, extreme fatigue, short-term memory loss, depression, headaches and sleep problems.

The pilot study findings were published in the journal of the Australian College of Nutrition and Environmental Medicine.

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