Information Seeking and Risk Perception: A Study of Utility Customers Concerned About Electric and Magnetic Fields

Public concern about the potential health effects associated with exposure to electric and magnetic fields is emerging as a contentious public issue. The epidemiology and laboratory studies on EMF are inconclusive, and most experts agree it will be five to 10 years before research can, with any degree of accuracy, demonstrate whether a link exists between EMF exposure and adverse health effects. In the meantime, consumers are seeking information about the research and methods to avoid exposure. This thesis attempted to assess whether information provided by one electric utility influenced the perception of risk