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ABSTRACT
Due to the ever-increasing use of mobile communications in India, health risks associated with exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) transmitted by mobile phones and base stations has become the focus of research. Internationally, there have been numerous studies on RF-EMF risk perception, but this issue is scarcely addressed in India. The present study evaluates the level of risk perception of Indians associated with RF-EMF exposure from mobile phones and base stations and assesses the underlying reasons for their concerns. We conducted a qualitative study on a small group of Indians (n = 25) from varied socioeconomic backgrounds, followed by a large-scale population (n = 500) survey to identify the primary issues of concern. The results show that many participants, irrespective of their social group, have a positive attitude towards mobile phones and are willing to accept the risks of using them, but are against the installation of base stations. Our study confirms that lack of knowledge about mobile communications technology, health concerns about mobile phones and base stations, community concern regarding base station deployment and media influence have a significant impact on risk perception among Indians. Carefully planned communication techniques are required to decrease risk perceptions and increase acceptance of mobile communications infrastructure.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
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Notes on contributors
Rojalin Pradhan
Dr. Rojalin Pradhan is an Assistant Professor at Alliance Business School, Alliance University, Bangalore. Her research interests include technology adoption and impact, digital transformation, risk perception and communication, consumer awareness, and telecom policy and regulation. Dr. Pradhan has rich experience teaching, researching, and managing local & global clients in the electronics industries globally. She has presented her work at various international conferences relating to risk perception and consumer awareness.
Jack Rowley
Dr. Jack Rowley is the Senior Director for Research & Sustainability and works in the Advocacy Department of the GSMA. He is responsible for technical and policy activities related to the safety of mobile communications and responsible environmental practices. He supports the global GSMA EMF and Health working group and contributes to the work of the GSMA Europe EMF and Health group. Jack has been a member of national and international working groups and contributed to the UNEP activity that led to the first international guidelines for environmentally sound management of used and end-of-life mobile phones.
Mahim Sagar
Dr. Mahim Sagar is a Professor in Marketing at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. He works in the area of Consumer Based & Community-driven Marketing/Branding of Public & Private goods/services. His research focused on multiple streams like Marketing /Branding of Public goods /services and the challenges encountered in Marketing Public Policy, Ethical Branding, Not for Profit Marketing, Social Marketing, and Product Management & Business Models. He has researched various domains like IT, Telecom, Health, FMCG & Public Policy using inductive and deductive protocols.