옥민수1*, 임소윤2*, 김화정1, 류현미1, 이나리3, 이무송1

1울산대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실, 2울산대학교 의과대학 의학과, 3통계청 인구동향과

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.
Korean J Health Promot 2015;15(2):39-46
Keywords: Electromagnetic fields, High-tension power line, Risk communication