Electrophobia and misperception of non-ionizing radiation hazards

摘要

The public is exposed daily to dramatic headlines in the radio, TV, and newspapers regarding severe health consequences associated with human exposure to radio-frequency radiation and extreme low-frequency (ELF) fields. The paper deals with the history of awareness to non-ionizing radiation hazards, examples to headlines in the written and electronic media inflaming the electrophobia, and the adverse consequences of the public fears from RF radiation. Part of the electrophobia can be blamed on the misconception of the non-ionizing radiation hazards. The paper presents the known reasons for the hazard misperception and suggests ways to mitigate the public fears of RF radiation.