Public perception of risk concerning celltowers and mobile phones.
OBJECTIVE
The controversy about health risks of electromagnetic fields (EMF) has contributed in raising fears concerning emissions from celltowers. The study was to examine whether or not neighbours of celltowers are particularly concerned about adverse health effects of mobile phones and their base stations.


METHODS
Prior to information delivered by medical doctors of the Institute of Environmental Health at public hearings a questionnaire was handed out to participants asking for their personal rating of several environmental health risks including those of mobile telecommunication (n = 123, response rate approx. 48%). Medical students (n = 366) served as a contrast group.


RESULTS
Participants rated health risk for both, mobile phones and celltowers higher as students. A trend for higher ratings was also seen with older subjects and female sex. The risk ratings of both exposures correlated well with each other. The magnitude of the perceived risks, however, resembled that of other ubiquitous exposures like traffic noise and air pollution.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrary to the claims of the telecommunication industry, opponents of celltowers generally do not express unusual fears concerning electromagnetic field exposure. The outcome of our study indicates that the risk rating is comparable with other perceived common hazards of the civilised world. It is hypothesised that offering information and participation to the concerned population will be efficient in reducing exaggerated fears.
Hutter
Hans-Peter
HP
Department of Occupational and Social Health, Institute of Environment Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitiy of Vienna. hans-peter.hutter@univie.ac.at
Moshammer
Hanns
H
Wallner
Peter
P
Kundi
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D040421:Cell Phone; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D011639:Public Opinion; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires