台灣民眾對不同來源電磁場感知的利益、風險與管制信任

Objectives: To explore the perceived benefits, risks and regulatory trust with regard to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from various sources (including mobile phone base stations, power lines, transformers, mobile phones, microwave ovens, and wireless internet) in Taiwanese people. Methods: A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted by the Center for Survey Research, Academia Sinica in October, 2008, with a randomized sample of 2,035 adults aged 18 and older. Results: The benefits, risks and regulatory trust perceptions of various sources of EMF were all correlated. The frequency of mobile phone usage, however, was correlated only with the perceived benefit of mobile phones and base stations. General linear model analysis indicated that female, higher education, low benefit, low trust, and agreement that EMF is carcinogenic were the major factors determining the perception of risk from power lines and base stations. Conclusions: We suggest the regulatory agencies in Taiwan increase the general population's trust for EMF regulation. Further, the government should sponsor further EMF health risk studies in order to reduce public concerns.