RF-EMF Risk Perception & Trust in Radiation Protection Authorities: Comparative Study on Precautionary Information in Germany & Greece

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Tags: RF-EMF, risk perception, trust, precautionary information, mobile communication, 5G, cross-country comparison DOI: 10.1002/bem.70042 URL: onlinelibrary.wiley.com Overview This study examines the influence of different types of precautionary information on public risk perception and trust in national radiation protection authorities regarding radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), with a particular emphasis on 5G network exposure. Conducted with 2,169 participants (1,040 in Germany and 1,129 in Greece), the research utilized a randomized experimental design, assigning individuals to one of these three groups: - Basic information about RF-EMF - Simple precautionary details on reducing personal RF-EMF exposure during mobile phone use - Conceptual precautionary information, explaining the distinction between "precaution" and "prevention" Findings - Simple precautionary messages generally did not heighten risk perception or diminish trust in authorities except for general risk perception when no precautions are assumed. - An in-depth conceptual explanation of the precaution/prevention distinction did not reduce risk perception; in fact, it increased perceived risk compared to just offering simple information. - Precautionary messages improved feelings of self-efficacy and the perception of message consistency. - Notable differences were observed across countries and genders: Greek participants reported higher perceived risks and lower trust than German participants; women reported higher risk perception and less trust than men. - Contrary to earlier literature, precautionary information about personal mobile phone use did not cause heightened public concern about RF-EMF exposure. However, explaining the conceptual distinction between precaution and prevention slightly increased risk perception. Conclusion The results suggest that while providing precautionary information can enhance individuals' sense of control regarding RF-EMF exposure, additional conceptual explanations may inadvertently heighten risk perception. The study underscores the importance of considering sociocultural and individual differences in risk communication strategies about electromagnetic field safety. Key Points: - RF-EMF exposure evokes varying risk perceptions and trust in authorities depending on the content and framing of communication. - There is a measurable link between information detail and public concern, especially regarding conceptual precautionary communication, which can increase perceived health risks from EMF.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In a randomized experiment (Germany n=1,040; Greece n=1,129), simple precautionary messages about reducing personal RF-EMF exposure during mobile phone use generally did not increase risk perception or reduce trust in authorities, with an exception noted for general risk perception when no precautions are assumed. Conceptual precautionary information explaining the precaution/prevention distinction increased perceived risk compared with simpler information. Precautionary messages improved self-efficacy and perceived message consistency; Greek participants and women reported higher perceived risks and lower trust than German participants and men, respectively.

Outcomes measured

• risk perception (general and perceived health risks from EMF)
• trust in national radiation protection authorities
• self-efficacy (sense of control regarding RF-EMF exposure)
• perceived message consistency

Suggested hubs

• 5g-policy (0.62)
  Study focuses on risk communication and perceived risk/trust regarding RF-EMF with emphasis on 5G exposure.
• who-icnirp (0.35)
  Examines trust in national radiation protection authorities and effects of precautionary messaging relevant to radiation protection guidance.

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    "population": "General public participants in Germany and Greece",
    "sample_size": 2169,
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