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Fragmented Terminology and Creation of One Name Project
The increase in the number and diversity of electromagnetic field (EMF) sources has caused reports of wide-reaching and broad negative health effects attributed to EMF exposure. EMF-related illnesses include broad symptoms such as sleep disorders, difficulty concentrating, tinnitus, anxiety and depression. For some, these symptoms can become downright debilitating.
Fortunately, numerous organizations research, treat, and create policies regarding EMF-related illnesses. However, each one uses different names, terms or acronyms for the potential effects of EMF exposure. This fragmented terminology hinders collaboration and progress among scientific researchers, medical professionals, and advocacy efforts from individuals experiencing EMF-related illnesses.
The One Name Project is a grassroots community convening online to discuss recommendations for a singular name that could encapsulate the variety of EMF-related adverse health effects. The organizers of the One Name Project hope that a universally recognized name will unify research efforts and strengthen public communication and understanding of EMF-related illnesses.
The Need to Unify EMF-Related Illness Terminology
Trying to navigate the discourse of EMF-related illnesses is fraught with confusion. Use of multiple terminologies adds unnecessary disarray to an already complicated set of symptoms. Have you ever tried to research something that you didn’t know the name of? Now, what if every source called that something by a different name or acronym? The process would inevitably be slow as you search for the proper terminology to use and there’s a good chance you would miss out on some information out there.
Those searching for treatment solutions, scientific discovery, or legal frameworks are left trying to put together the puzzle pieces of fragmented language. Seeking support, sufferers attributing their symptoms to EMF exposure struggle to find a term that effectively communicates their experience. As a result, these symptoms are often ignored or mistreated.
From a wider lens, the fragmented terminology surrounding EMFs greatly impacts research and advocacy efforts. Unclear or unfamiliar names hinder initiatives to increase research, propose legislation, and improve medical care.
“We can no longer afford to be fragmented and ineffective in our messaging.
The telecom industry’s campaign of dismissal demands that we come together
as a powerful, unstoppable force under the banner of one name.” –The One Name Project
The One Name Initiative: Community Collaboration
Organizers established The One Name Project to seek unified terminology for EMF-related illnesses. The initiative is organized by a committee of directors from safe tech organizations across the United States. The project will follow a three-stage decision-making process: the Global Input Phase, The Decision-Making Committee Selection Phase, and the Decision-Making Phase. The One Name Project was developed with inclusivity in mind, any and all advocates for EMF-illnesses and safe technology are invited to participate in the process.
The Spectrum of Names for EMF-Related Illnesses
A vast number of combinations of the terms “electric,” “magnetic,” “EMF,” “Sensitivity,” or “disability” have been used since EMF awareness began in the 1980s. One term, “Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS)” was first proposed in 1991 by William Rea. EHS is used to identify the clinical condition of health effects while being exposed to an electromagnetic field. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) uses “EHS” to advance collaborative research among its 194 member-states. However, the organization proposes a lengthy and more detached term – ‘Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance with attribution to EMF (IEI-EMF).’
Collaborators of the One Name Project encourage terminology that is uncomplicated and medically unique. Additionally, the term should be broadly inclusive of the many types EMF-related illnesses. Choosing terminology that carefully considers the acronym is especially beneficial in aiding public conversation. The full spectrum of their suggestions is publicly available in the One Name Project’s archive.
Potential Impact of Unified EMF Terminology
Clear and unified terminology would challenge cultural narratives and medical treatments. Linking public narrative around EMF-related illnesses with unified terminology would aid the speed and clarity of conversation for those experiencing symptoms already clouded in mystery.
One name would unify advocacy efforts across sectors and improve consistency in research. Collaboration among advocates and researchers would be faster and more efficient with one name for EMF-related illnesses.
Resistance and Challenges
The speed at which wireless technology advances poses the biggest challenge to research. The invention and production of artificial EMF sources frequently outpace the ability to gather reliable research. Particularly challenging, is predicting the long-term biological effects of increased exposure to the ever-changing types and sources of EMFs.
Additionally, a general lack of public understanding and awareness of the effects of EMF exposure means many people may not be supportive of The One Name Projects initiative.
Multiple global, national, and local health initiatives work to seek healthy relationships with technological advancement. Guided by concerns for public health, only conclusive research can direct and empower their mission to develop digital wellness in the modern era.
Efforts of the One Name Project aim to address these challenges. Unifying the community of EMF-disabled under one name will improve attempts to reach scientifically reliable conclusions before 6G becomes as common as 5G. Further, one name will empower patients and advocacy groups to seek the medical protections and legal policies they deserve and to validate the experiences of the EMF-disabled.
One Name, One Future
It is inevitable that the break-neck speed of tech innovation will continue. Uniting the community of scientists, researchers, healthcare professionals and EMF-disabled with one name will help advocacy efforts keep up. Converging the array of terminology under one name is vital for those experiencing the adverse side effects of these advancements. As efforts continue to research the biological effects of wireless advancement, unifying EMF-related illnesses under one name is imperative.
The One Name Project invites participation from anyone with an interest in uniting the community under one name. Explore their ideas and join the conversation today!
