The commenter describes reported EMF sensitivity alongside mold-related CIRS and neurological symptoms, d…

Public Comment to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Subject: EMF Sensitivity, Mold Exposure, Genetic Testing, and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) Submitted by: Shana Placenti New Hampshire, United States To the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, My name is Shana Placenti, and I am sharing my personal experiences with electromagnetic field (EMF) sensitivity, mold exposure, and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). I have been battling CIRS since 2018, following prolonged exposure to a water-damaged, mold-contaminated home. Over the past eight years, I have experienced severe neurological, cognitive, and physical symptoms that have significantly affected my health and quality of life. Approximately five years ago, I underwent extensive genetic testing involving roughly 200,000 genetic markers. According to the interpretation provided with my results, I was identified as having what the report described as "double EMF sensitivity." When I am around what I believe to be sources of electromagnetic fields, I experience intense buzzing and vibrating sensations throughout my body. At times, it feels as though my entire nervous system is buzzing. These sensations can become extremely uncomfortable and overwhelming, particularly when I am already experiencing neurological symptoms. Following my mold exposure, I experienced severe dizziness, balance disturbances, cognitive difficulties, impaired temperature regulation, and changes in bladder function. At one point, my neurological symptoms were so debilitating that I struggled to walk and maintain my balance. I have also experienced multiple concussions, further complicating my neurological health. I am concerned about whether individuals with chronic inflammatory illnesses following mold exposure may experience heightened sensitivity to other environmental factors, including electromagnetic fields. I am also concerned about the potential relationship between electromagnetic fields and mold-related toxicity. I encourage HHS to investigate whether EMF exposure can influence fungal growth, mycotoxin production, or the biological effects of mold exposure, particularly among individuals living with chronic inflammatory and neurological conditions. I respectfully encourage HHS to investigate possible relationships between EMF exposure, mold-related illness, neurological conditions, and genetic susceptibility. I would particularly welcome research examining whether certain genetic variations are associated with reported EMF sensitivity and whether these associations can be scientifically validated. I also encourage research into the combined effects of environmental exposures on individuals living with complex chronic illnesses. In addition to my personal experiences, I am the founder and administrator of MOLD/CIRS/LYME/TOXINS Healing and Recovery Group, an international Facebook community with more than 7,200 members representing over 50 countries. Through this community, I raise awareness, share educational resources, and provide support for individuals navigating mold exposure, CIRS, Lyme disease, EMF sensitivity, and other environmental health concerns. I have connected with individuals who report symptoms they associate with EMF exposure. These experiences have reinforced my belief that patients deserve to be heard and that their experiences should help inform future research priorities. My purpose in submitting this comment is to share my lived experience and advocate for greater awareness, independent research, and improved understanding of reported environmental sensitivities. I recognize that my genetic report does not independently establish a medically validated diagnosis of EMF sensitivity. However, I believe my experiences raise important questions worthy of further scientific investigation. Thank you for providing Americans with an opportunity to share their experiences. I sincerely hope continued research will improve our understanding of reported EMF sensitivity, potential interactions with mold exposure, and the challenges faced by individuals living with chronic inflammatory and neurological conditions. Respectfully, Shana Placenti New Hampshire, United States Environmental Health Advocate