Media coverage on electromagnetic fields and health: Content analysis of Dutch newspaper articles and websites

Abstract

The way health risks of electromagnetic fields are portrayed in the media may shape public concerns that the growing exposure to electromagnetic fields in daily life constitutes a health hazard. We analysed the content of information on electromagnetic fields and health in Dutch media to identify aspects that might be linked to the public perception of electromagnetic fields. A systematic search was performed on archives of five major Dutch newspapers (from March 2008 to March 2010) and on the internet (in April 2010). Content analyses included the identification of main characteristics and the context or frame in which the information can be clearly understood. We identified 155 newspaper articles and 23 relevant websites. Analyses showed that the media content often suggested a negative relationship between electromagnetic field exposure and health but lacked detailed information about research, technical aspects, possible biological mechanisms and regulation policy. Regional media predominantly featured conflicts around the placing of electromagnetic equipment. Across all media, information on electromagnetic fields and health was mostly framed in terms of precaution and concern. We conclude that the content does not reflect a scientific perspective, focusing on the nature of and exposure to electromagnetic fields, potential biological mechanisms, the evidence and the magnitude of health effects, but rather seems to follow a layman's perspective of risk. We also discuss ways to improve on the quality of media coverage on electromagnetic fields.

Keywords:

• risk
• risk communication
• risk perception
• public health
• electromagnetic fields

Acknowledgements

The study received the financial support from The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw). The authors would also like to acknowledge Willemijn Pas (WP) for her assistance in the analysis.

Notes

1. We also approached editors of seven popular information magazines, and searched archives of TV stations to identify relevant items on electromagnetic fields and health published or aired between 27 March 2008 and 26 March 2010 in other media. This search yielded no relevant journal articles and only three relevant TV broadcasts. Therefore, we decided not to include magazines and TV broadcasts in our analyses.

2. Search terms in Dutch: elektromagn! OR (straling AND (hoogspannings! OR transformator! OR zendmast! OR mast! OR UMTS! OR GSM! OR mobiel! OR DECT! OR draadlo! OR electrisch!)) OR elektrostress OR elektrosmog.