The Relationship between Risk Perception of Cell Phones and Objective Knowledge of EMF in Korea

Abstract

This study examines differences between the level of objective knowledge regarding radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and risk perception of cell phones in Korea. We also investigate the extent to which socio-demographic factors, perceived EMF exposure, objective knowledge regarding EMF, and psychological factors influence the risk perception of cell phones using hierarchical multiple regression. All 3393 study subjects completed a survey measuring the degree of risk perception of EMF. They were sampled in accordance with representative proportions of sex, age group, and region of residence as shown in the 2019 Resident Registration Population Statistics reported by Korea. The variables that have the most influence on risk perception of cell phones can be induced from the beta values for each variable: The subjective factor, perceived level of exposure to EMF (β = 0.253), was more strongly related to risk perception of cell phones than level of knowledge regarding EMF, an objective factor in this study. Of the psychological factors, Dreadfulness (β = 0.331), Personal knowledge (β = −174), and Familiarity (β = −089) influenced risk perceptions of cell phones; Controllability did not. On the risk cognition map, people though that it was easy to control risk related to Cell phone use in daily life, while risk related to High technology was uncontrollable.

The Differences in Risk Perception between Practitioners in the Non-Coal-Mining Industry: Miners, Managers and Experts

“…However, this study did not find a significant relationship between knowledge level and risk perception. Furthermore, Seo’s research showed that the mastery of magnetic field knowledge affects Koreans’ cognition of the harm of mobile phones [ 52 ]. It is also inconsistent with the results of the research on mine-related heat exposure risk cognition; that is, miners’ cognition is affected by their work experience and knowledge level [ 16 ].…”

RF-EMF Exposure Assessments in Greek Schools to Support Ubiquitous IoT-Based Monitoring in Smart Cities

“…Then, the 95% confidence interval for the total exposure ratio ( 2.5% ), 97.5% is calculated as: 2.5% = − U ( ) and 97.5% = + U ( ) (12) In order to declare that an exposure level as measured complies with the Greek safety limits imposed in Greek VOLUME 11, 2023 legislation, the Greek Atomic Energy Commission demands the measured values in addition to the expanded uncertainty to be below the reference values, so for the final decision we use the interval according to 12.…”

“…Due to these developments, in recent years, people have become increasingly concerned about potential health hazards posed by wireless and especially mobile networks [12]. The proximity of base stations to populated areas is of particular concern, as it has been claimed to pose particular health risks to the population.…”