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KMID : 1138720070330010047
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Korean Public Health Research
2007 Volume.33 No. 1 p.47 ~ p.65
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A Study on Exposure to Electromagnetic Radiation in Daily Life
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Woo Zoo-Tack
Choi Sang-Bok
Lee Kyu-Soo
Kim Gi-Yeol
Ryu Jang-Gun
Shim Kyu-Bum
Moon Ki-Nae
Nam Chul-Hyun
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Abstract
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The purpose of this study was to identify and to measure the exposure to electromagnetic radiation among community people in daily life and related health aspects. A total of 150 respondents were recruited from each of large cities and 100 were recruited from each of small and medium-sized cities. The results of the study are summarized as follows:
1)Those who watch TV at least an hour per day constituted 24.2% of total respondents, followed by those who watch about 2 hours(19.4%), and those who watch at least 4 hours(10.0%). 2)Those who use a mobile phone for 15 minutes or less per day accounted for 36.5%, followed by those who use a mobile phone for 16 to 29 minutes(21.5%), and those who use for more than 2 hours(5.9%). 3)Those who use a computer less than an hour made up 27.6%, followed by those use for more than an hour but less than 2 hours(22.7%) and those who use for more than 3 hours(18.3%) 4)Those who use a microwave at least once a day accounted for 19.2%, and those who do not use(61.6%). 5)83.2% answered that electromagnetic radiation create harm to human body. Of those, 55.9% thought electromagnetic radiation can interfere with brain function, 19.1% thought visual function can be affected, 7.9% thought genes can be affected, 5.7% thought blood flow can be affected and 5.1% thought heart function can be affected. 6)Despite harmful effects of electromagnetic waves emitted from electric appliances, 48.3% use those appliances, 27.7% are not conscious about harmful effects and 13.5% try to keep a certain distance when using an electric appliance. 7)Of total respondents, 49.0% said they are not concerned with electromagnetic radiation when using a mobile phone, 40.2% said they do not care about electromagnetic radiation although they worry about it and 10.8% said they try to make their telephone conversation short, if possible. 8)When frequency of use of each household appliance was rated on a 4-point scale, the use of computer was higher with 2.41 scores(or 60.3 point out of 100), followed by the use of TV(2.33 scores or 58.3 points), the use of mobile phone(2.32), the use of microwave(1.66) and the use of VTR(1.33). It is found that respondents were aware of adverse health effects of electromagnetic radiation emitted from household appliances, but the majority of them(89.2%) were not concerned about them or ignored them. It is therefore necessary for health authorities to develop education programs to promote health effects of electromagnetic radiation and efficient usage of electric appliances. Manufacturers of electric appliances also need to increase their research efforts to minimize electromagnetic emission and subsequently adverse health effects associated electromagnetic radiation..
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KEYWORD
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Electomagnetic Radiation, Exposure
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