How can you find a vehicle that is suitable for EHS people?

It is useful to start by remembering that, due to the high levels of electromagnetic pollution in public transport caused by passengers’ smartphones and all the communication and security systems, people with EHS have little choice but to use private cars to get around. However, it is essential that these vehicles do not expose them to excessive electromagnetic fields. How can you find this out when purchasing a vehicle? The manufacturers’ sales departments will not be able to provide this information, as they are unaware of these issues and their documentation is completely silent on the subject of electromagnetic exposure in vehicles.

We initially asked car manufacturers about the sources of emissions from vehicles on the market. As none of them bothered to respond, we asked EHS sufferers directly about the vehicles they can and cannot tolerate. We received just over 70 responses, which are recorded in a table in the appendix. The survey remains open and the summary will be updated regularly.

This survey clearly shows that older vehicles are better tolerated for the simple reason that they were not yet equipped with emitting devices. However, as these vehicles will eventually need to be replaced, the question arises which new or recent car can be suitable for EHS sufferers.

By understanding where the main sources of electromagnetic fields are located, it is possible to avoid certain equipment and thus better orient oneself towards a suitable car. Here is a list of the main sources of electromagnetic pollution:

Electric field and magnetic field:

Any electric current that varies over time generates a magnetic field that varies over time, and vice versa. As the two are linked, for the sake of simplicity we will only discuss the magnetic field. The stronger the current, the stronger the magnetic field. It decreases very rapidly with distance (inversely proportional to the cube of the distance) for certain sources of magnetic fields present in a vehicle, but much more slowly for those linked to wiring (simply inversely proportional to the distance from the cable).

It is easy to understand that in an electric or hybrid vehicle, strong currents generate strong magnetic fields in the power cables running under the occupants’ feet. These vehicles should absolutely be avoided, except for the rare EHS sufferers who tolerate magnetic fields well.

But even in a combustion engine vehicle, significant electrical currents flow: battery charging/discharging, ignition, internal cabin equipment such as speakers, ventilation, electric heated seats (to be avoided), electric power steering, stop & start, etc. These fields are linked to electrical power conductors (mainly under the floor and behind the dashboard in the passenger compartment). The driver and front passenger may also be exposed to the powerful magnetic field of the battery and alternator, depending on their location (when the alternator and battery are located at the front of the bonnet, there is no problem).

Finally, tyres can become magnetised and generate an electric field, which in turn induces a weak secondary magnetic field when the vehicle is in motion. This field depends on the speed of the vehicle and the size of the tyres. It can be noticeable near the wheel arches, which are generally quite far from the front occupants but sometimes very close to the rear passengers

Radiofrequency fields:

These have various origins. Here are the main sources of radiofrequency fields in a vehicle:

• The ignition system (petrol and LPG vehicles): Each spark produced by the spark plug generates radiofrequency fields. This is why spark plugs are fitted with anti-interference caps, which significantly reduce these fields. None of the EHS sufferers who spoke complained about the ignition system.

• All electronic equipment generates low-intensity radiofrequency waves, which are generally well tolerated individually, but can become problematic when multiplied. Consequently, EHS sufferers would be well advised to seek moderation in this area.

• Emissive equipment: These are devices that emit waves for the purpose of communicating outside or inside the passenger compartment. Increasingly common in today’s vehicles, it is not always possible to disconnect them. Here are the main ones:

• RFID card: in cars above a certain price range, there is no longer an ignition key, but a card with which the vehicle communicates by radio waves to open the doors, start and stop the engine and, in some cases, during the journey (emissions vary greatly from one vehicle to another). The signals are relatively weak and short-lived, but they can disturb EHS sufferers. This is why it is preferable to have a conventional ignition key.
• Sat nav (GPS): A distinction must be made between on-board GPS systems accessible from the centre console and portable GPS systems that are purchased separately. A sat nav is a passive system that does not emit waves. However, all built-in GPS devices and a number of portable GPS devices are equipped with an emitting device that allows them to share information (speed cameras, road checks, traffic jams, etc.) and download updates. These devices emit strong signals. A person with electromagnetic hypersensitivity should be able to deactivate them, which is often not possible for built-in sat nav devices. It is preferable to do without a built-in GPS device and, at the same time, the central console, and to opt for a basic portable GPS device (without external communication).
• Car radio: In modern vehicles, the car radio is usually integrated into the centre console, with the disadvantages mentioned above. In vehicles without a centre console, the car radio is generally well supported, provided that the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions can be disconnected.
• WIFI and Bluetooth: These are the most powerful sources of radiofrequency fields in a vehicle. Wifi constantly emits powerful ‘scanning’ signals in search of devices with which to communicate. The same is true for Bluetooth, with less intense signals. An EHS must be able to completely disable Wifi and Bluetooth.
• E-CALL: Mandatory in Europe since 2018, it has been gradually introduced and is now fitted in all vehicles sold since 2021. E-call automatically alerts the emergency services in the event of an accident and operates on mobile phone frequencies. It is designed to only transmit in the event of a serious accident or when deliberately activated. However, automatic routines often produce a strong signal (boundary signal?) when the vehicle is started. These routines, which last a few tens of seconds, disrupt EHS, but fortunately they are only temporary.
• Geolocation: High-end vehicles, as well as rental vehicles, are generally equipped with a geotracker that allows the vehicle to be located in the event of theft. The signals are intermittent but difficult for EHS sufferers to tolerate. For obvious reasons, the driver cannot deactivate it. If the vehicle has such equipment, only a competent professional can deactivate it.
• Various sensors: Recent vehicles are equipped with numerous sensors, most of which are wired but some of which are radio-frequency. There is no documentation on this subject, which only specialised repairers are familiar with.
• Radars: Among the many driving aids available, almost all modern vehicles are equipped with rear-view radars and anti-collision radars. Rear-view radars that use ultrasound, do not generate radio frequencies and do not pose a problem for EHS sufferers. Anti-collision radars, on the other hand, use very high frequencies (millimetre waves). If they are placed on the bumpers, their emissions, which are blocked by the bodywork and greatly attenuated by the windows, should not affect the occupants of the vehicle. However, the same cannot be said for radars placed inside the passenger compartment, against the windscreen. People with EHS should avoid radars placed against the windscreen. Dealers should be able to indicate the location of the radars.

In summary, to protect yourself from electromagnetic fields, you should avoid electric or hybrid cars, as well as vehicles with non-disconnectable emission systems. The safest option is to opt for a used vehicle of a certain age. Regarding newer vehicles, entry-level cars with as little electronic equipment as possible may be suitable. Do not hesitate to ask salespeople questions, even if they are not familiar with the subject, to raise their awareness.

In any case, only an extended test drive will allow you to determine whether or not the vehicle is suitable. As test drives at dealerships are very limited in duration, it is necessary to be persuasive and negotiate a sufficient test drive period to get a good idea of the vehicle.

See the appendix for the table of responses received during the survey.

Disclaimer: The information provided is a transcription of the responses of individuals who completed the survey. It should be considered as personal accounts that are subject to subjectivity.