Background: This study assessed the perceptions of healthcare staff of the health risks of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Methods: In total, 328 healthcare workers (e.g., physicians, nurses, medical students, and paramedics) completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed the following: risk perceptions of 17 environmental factors as potential health threats; EMF sources; information for the potential risks of EMF; and thoughts on how to protect the public from potential EMF-related health risks. Results: Of the included environmental factors, high-tension power lines and mobile phone handsets were ranked as the second and fourth lowest perceived risk, respectively. Approximately 60% of respondents were concerned about the potential health risks of EMF and dissatisfied with the information they received. The main reason for dissatisfaction was insufficient information. The most frequently cited action was that the government should review the available scientific evidence on potential EMF-related health risks. Conclusions: Having scientific basis through well-designed researches and providing accurate information to the public on the potential health risks of EMF will be important in the future. Korean J Health Promot 2015;15(2):39-46

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceived distance from home to high-voltage power lines using a transmission and substation geographic information system(TGIS). Of the 725, 136 respondents reported that high voltage power transmission tower, power lines or substation was within visual field range from home. Among them, 114 respondents reported valid address, which could be used in the analysis of TGIS. Forty two respondents(36.8 %) estimated that the power lines were closer and 15 respondents(13.2 %) estimated that they were farther than they actually were. Our current findings suggest that the reported distance from home to high-voltage power transmission towers, power lines, and substations cannot be used as a proxy for exposure to electromagnetic fields due to the low validity.