Dynamics of the public concern and risk communication program implementation

Electromagn Biol Med. 2015 Sep;34(3):274-7. doi: 10.3109/15368378.2015.1076445.

Abstract

The public concern about electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure varies due to different reasons. A part of them are connected with the better and higher quality of information that people receive from science, media, Internet, social networks, industry, but others are based on good communication programs performed by the responsible institutions, administration and persons. Especially, in Bulgaria, public concern follows interesting changes, some of them in correlation with the European processes of concern, but others following the economic and political processes in the country. Here, we analyze the dynamics of the public concern over the last 10 years. Our explanation of the decrease of the people's complaints against EMF exposure from base stations for mobile communication is as a result of our risk communication program that is in implementation for >10 years.

Keywords: Base stations; precautionary approach; public concern; risk communication.

MeSH terms

  • Communication*
  • Electromagnetic Fields / adverse effects
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Public Opinion*
  • Radiation Exposure*
  • Risk Assessment