The Sentinels
Electrosensitivity in Italy
Electrosensitivity (EHS) is an organic reaction to electromagnetic fields: in addition to the low frequency ones (0-300Hz), mainly produced by domestic appliances and power lines, which induce electric currents inside the body, there are high frequency fields (300 Hz-300Ghz), primarily generated by wireless technologies and radio and television cell towers, which yield energy to the
body tissues in the form of heat. Among the most frequent symptoms there are headaches, insomnia, weakness, concentration deficit, pain, rash, auditory, visual and balance disorders, mood alteration.
WHO estimates that 3% of the world's population suffer from hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields. In the Hyper-sensitivity to electromagnetic fields Memorandum of 2005, WHO acknowledged the health problems of electrosensitive persons, stating, however, that without the demonstration of a causal relationship between the aforementioned diseases and the exposure to electromagnetic fields in the living environments, the symptoms are non-specific and EHS should not be considered a diagnosable disease. Only on May 31st, 2011, IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), which is a part of WHO, classified radio frequency electromagnetic fields as "possible carcinogenic" for humans.
In Italy statistical data are uncertain but alarming: they would be around 300.00 and 600.000 cases. EHS is closely related to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), an immune-toxic syndrome triggered by the exposure to chemical agents: about 35% of people affected by MCS, in fact, also develops hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields.
The Sentinels is a photo-documentary research in the life of those who hope that isolation does not become extinction and asks to think of useable accommodations, managed by doctors and highly trained staff, where it is possible to do research and treatments. A journey through the large thicket hidden behind a landscape that we do not even pay attention to: pylons, antennas, routers, laptops, smartphones or microwave ovens. Inside a disabling disorder, which forces to alienation. An uncomfortable inconvenience to be tolerated and shown off, which implies displacement, segregation. Loneliness.
Giacomo Alberto Vieri
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