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Public perception of risk concerning celltowers and mobile phones

Author

Listed:
  • Hans-Peter Hutter
  • Hanns Moshammer
  • Peter Wallner
  • Michael Kundi

Abstract

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. Conclusion: 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. Copyright Birkhäuser-Verlag Basel 2004

Suggested Citation

  • Hans-Peter Hutter & Hanns Moshammer & Peter Wallner & Michael Kundi, 2004. "Public perception of risk concerning celltowers and mobile phones," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 49(1), pages 62-66, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijphth:v:49:y:2004:i:1:p:62-66
    DOI: 10.1007/s00038-003-2094-7
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Simone Dohle & Carmen Keller & Michael Siegrist, 2012. "Fear and anger: antecedents and consequences of emotional responses to mobile communication," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(4), pages 435-446, April.
    2. Marie‐Eve Cousin & Michael Siegrist, 2011. "Cell Phones and Health Concerns: Impact of Knowledge and Voluntary Precautionary Recommendations," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(2), pages 301-311, February.
    3. Bernd Kowall & Jürgen Breckenkamp & Maria Blettner & Brigitte Schlehofer & Joachim Schüz & Gabriele Berg-Beckhoff, 2012. "Determinants and stability over time of perception of health risks related to mobile phone base stations," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 57(4), pages 735-743, August.
    4. Corinna Jenal & Sven Endreß & Olaf Kühne & Caroline Zylka, 2021. "Technological Transformation Processes and Resistance—On the Conflict Potential of 5G Using the Example of 5G Network Expansion in Germany," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-20, December.

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