Wi-fi related radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF): a pilot experimental study of personal exposure and risk perception

Berihun M Zeleke,Peter Wiedemann,Geza Benke,Frederik Freudenstein,Chhavi R Bhatt,Christopher Brzozek,Michael J Abramson,Rodney J Croft

doi:10.1007/s40201-021-00636-7

Abstract

The impact of providing people with an objectively measured personal radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure information on the risk perception of people is not well understood. We conducted an experimental study, among three groups of participants, to investigate the risk perception of people towards RF-EMF from Wi-Fi sources (ISM 2.4 GHz) by providing participants with either basic text, precautionary information, or a summary of their personal RF-EMF exposure measurement levels. Participants provided with personal RF-EMF exposure measurement information were more confident in protecting themselves from RF-EMF exposure, compared to those provided with only basic information. Nonetheless, neither the exposure perception nor the risk perception of people to Wi-Fi related RF-EMF differed by the type of information provided. The measured Wi-Fi signal levels were far below international exposure limits. Furthermore, self-rated levels of personal RF-EMF exposure perception were not associated with objectively measured RF-EMF exposure levels. Providing people with objectively measured information may help them build confidence in protecting themselves from Wi-Fi related RF-EMF exposure.

Highlights

Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity) is a wireless network involving at least one Wi-Fi router connected to the Internet and a series of computers, laptops, smartphones, and/or other telecommunication devices using radiofrequency- electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) [18]
Reporting higher risk perception levels may not be associated with higher levels of actual personal RF-EMF exposure [14], perceived exposure and health-risks due to RFEMF are reportedly associated with higher symptom scores in the general population [20]
After provided with an information pack detailing the study and consent forms, those who consented to participate in the study were randomized to one of the three study groups: 1) the measurement group (n = 63) who were provided with personal RF-EMF measurement devices that measured their RF-EMF exposure (ExpoM-RF), followed by the provision of a summary of their RF-EMF exposure levels from Wi-Fi sources; 2) the precautionary group (n = 158) who were provided with an information pack containing precautionary messages regarding RF-EMF which was similar to that provided by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) [1]; and 3) the basic information group (n = 162) who were only provided with basic information about RF-EMF

Summary

Introduction

Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity) is a wireless network involving at least one Wi-Fi router connected to the Internet and a series of computers, laptops, smartphones, and/or other telecommunication devices using radiofrequency- electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) [18]. As Wi-Fi exposure is becoming increasingly common, despite operating at low power, there is much concern about possible Wi-Fi health effects amongst the general public [2, 10, 17]. Many people perceive health risks from telecommunication sources and this includes concern about potential health effects associated with RF-EMF emissions from Wi-Fi in homes, workplaces, schools and other places [2, 9, 10, 15, 17, 19, 22]. Reporting higher risk perception levels may not be associated with higher levels of actual personal RF-EMF exposure [14], perceived exposure and health-risks due to RFEMF are reportedly associated with higher symptom scores in the general population [20]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion