Perceptions of Healthcare Workers of Health Risks of Electromagnetic Fields

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the perceptions of healthcare staff of the health risks of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). METHODS: In total, 328 healthcare workers (e.g., physicians, nurses, medical students, and paramedics) completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed the following risk perceptions of 17 environmental factors as potential health threats; EMF sources; information for the potential risks of EMF; and thoughts on how to protect the public from potential EMF-related health risks. RESULTS: Of the included environmental factors, high-tension power lines and mobile phone handsets were ranked as the second and fourth lowest perceived risk, respectively. Approximately 60% of respondents were concerned about the potential health risks of EMF and dissatisfied with the information they received. The main reason for dissatisfaction was insufficient information. The most frequently cited action was that the government should review the available scientific evidence on potential EMF-related health risks. CONCLUSIONS: Having scientific basis through well-designed researches and providing accurate information to the public on the potential health risks of EMF will be important in the future.