Determinants and stability over time of perception of health risks related to mobile phone base stations.

OBJECTIVE

Perception of possible health risks related to mobile phone base stations (MPBS) is an important factor in citizens' opposition against MPBS and is associated with health complaints. The aim of the present study is to assess whether risk perception of MPBS is associated with concerns about other environmental and health risks, is associated with psychological strain, and is stable on the individual level over time.

METHODS

Self-administered questionnaires filled in by 3,253 persons aged 15-69 years in 2004 and 2006 in Germany.

RESULTS

Risk perception of MPBS was strongly associated with concerns about various other risks like side effects of medications, air pollution or electric power lines. Persons showing more anxiety, depression, or stress were more often concerned about MPBS and also more often attributed health complaints to MPBS. 46.7% of those concerned about MPBS in 2004 expressed these concerns again 2 years later, the corresponding figure for attribution of health complaints to MPBS was 31.3%.

CONCLUSION

Risk perception of MPBS is strongly associated with general concern, anxiety, depression, and stress, and rather instable over time.