Emotional Well-Being and Environmental Sensitivity: The Case of ELF-MF Exposure

Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) generated by high-voltage power lines raise concerns about their potential impact on health and well-being. Previous research suggests that chronic exposure to ELF-MFs can contribute to sleep disturbances, headaches, and mood disorders, possibly through physiological stress responses and melatonin disruption. This study examines whether self-reported happiness mediates the relationship between exposure to ELF-MFs and health symptoms among people living near a 161 kV transmission line in the city of Or Akiva in Israel. A total of 427 participants completed questionnaires on physical symptoms and life satisfaction, while fixed-site ELF-MF measurements were conducted at and around homes. The structural equation modelling (SEM) was then applied to assess the direct and indirect effects of exposure to ELF-MFs, complemented by logistic regressions for confounder analysis. The results indicate that higher exposure to ELF-MFs was associated with lower happiness and increased symptoms, including poor sleep and reduced mobility ( p < 0.05). On the contrary, greater happiness was correlated with fewer headaches, better sleep quality, improved mobility, and reduced perceived need for medical care ( p < 0.01). Mediation analysis also revealed that happiness partially buffers the adverse effects of ELF-MFs on headaches, mood, and sleep problems ( p < 0.05).