French Woman Wins Disability for Sensitivity to ElectronicsBy Joshua Krause What we do know for sure is that there are plenty of people who claim to feel debilitating symptoms around some electronics. While doctors are often very skeptical of these patients claims, one of them recently received some validation in the form of a disability check. The applicant, Marine Richard, 39, hailed the ruling as a breakthrough for people afflicted by Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS). The condition is not recognised as a medical disorder in most countries, including France, but sufferers insist that exposure to mobile phones, wifi routers, televisions and other gadgets cause them anything from mild discomfort to life-ruining disability. Scientific studies have found no evidence linking electromagnetic exposure to the symptoms tingling, headaches, fatigue, nausea, or palpitations. Richard, a former radio documentary producer, has opted for a reclusive life in the mountains of southwest France, in a renovated barn without electricity, and drinking water from the well. In a ruling last month, a court in the southern city of Toulouse decided she can claim a disability allowance about 800 euros ($912) per month for an adult for a period of three years. The ruling accepted that her symptoms prevented Richard from working, but stopped short of recognising EHS as an illness. Her lawyer Alice Terrasse said the ruling could set a legal precedent for thousands of people concerned. What I find really interesting about this case, is their reasoning for giving her disability. The court recognizes this womans symptoms, but wont go so far as to say that its being caused by electronics. If you asked most doctors and scientists about why people may feel sick around electronics, they would probably claim that its nothing more than a nocebo effect, as in the opposite of a placebo. The patient believes something is harmful, which causes real debilitating symptoms to develop. So why didnt the French court give her disability based on that? Since they wont admit that electromagnetic waves are making her sick, then as far as theyre concerned, shes just crazy. They could have ruled in her favor by claiming that she had a mental illness that made it difficult for her to support herself. Instead they gave her disabilityjust because? They dont really say. She has symptoms that mainstream science (which Im assuming is what the court would adhere to) would call a mental condition, or even just imaginary, but they still chose to cut her a check without citing mental illness. Plus, many of her symptoms would be subjective. Headaches, fatigue, nausea, as far as anyone can tell its just in her head. In that case, why would they give her anything at all? Now Im not saying that this is the case here. Im just trying to view this from the perspective of a court that probably trusts mainstream science. It looks like they just gave someone money without any proof that this person suffers from a real condition. If you ask me, it sounds like the court believes her, but doesnt want to look silly in front of their colleagues. Theyve decided to help her out, but they dont want the media and the scientific community to mock them. They probably just want her to take the money and go quietly. Make of that what you will. Image Credit Joshua Krause is a reporter, writer and researcher at The Daily Sheeple. He was born and raised in the Bay Area and is a freelance writer and author. You can follow Joshuas reports at Facebook or on his personal Twitter. Joshuas website is Strange Danger . 