Effects of Feedback Report with Objectively Measured Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) Levels on Recipient’s Subjective RF-EMF Exposure Levels

In this study, we focused on the feedback report of objectively measured radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) levels obtained by in-home and microenvironmental exposure monitoring and assessed its impact on the recipient’s awareness of RF-EMF and subjective RF-EMF exposure levels. Factors such as knowledge level, risk perception, and the objectively measured RF-EMF levels presented in the feedback report were also examined as possible factors affecting the results. Twenty-nine valid answers collected by questionnaire surveys at two-time points (pre- and post-feedback) were analyzed. Results showed that the level of awareness of RF-EMF altered after becoming aware of the feedback report, and the understandability of the feedback report was a possible factor affecting the results. Higher needs for RF-EMF-utilizing activities and knowledge of high exposure levels (≥ median) resulted in higher awareness. Furthermore, the provision of information helped to envision subjective RF-EMF exposure levels and led to a decrease in answering "no idea" regarding subjective RF-EMF levels. Factors possibly affecting the subjective RF-EMF levels were gender, fear of health effects, subjective knowledge, and risk perception of RF-EMF prior to feedback. Subjective RF-EMF exposure levels were significantly lower in respondents who received results of higher exposure levels (≥ median). These results are providing insights regarding the association of information provision and respondent’s subjective RF-EMF exposure levels and would be useful for developing adequate risk communication strategies for the general public and workers at risk of high exposure.