‘Survey on the population of Catalonia's perception of...

‘Survey on the population of Catalonia's perception of Electromagnetic Fields’

June - July 2015

Contents 1. Introduction, Objectives of the Study and Technical Characteristics of the

Survey 2. Results Analysis 3. Comparative Report on the 2011 and 2015 Surveys

2

1. Introduction, Objectives of the Study and Technical Characteristics of the Survey

1. Introduction The Government of Catalonia, through its Telecommunications and Information Technologies Centre

(hereinafter, CTTI), is developing various actions within the ‘Radioelectric Governance’ project. The objective of this project is to coordinate the Government of Catalonia's policies on electronic communication and environmental matters in order to improve the public's access to mobile communications networks in general and the public's socioeconomic activities in particular, fostering the rollout of mobile communications networks in an orderly, sustainable and environmentally- and people-friendly manner, ensuring that the public fully benefits from the information society.

One of the main problems in the rollout of mobile communications networks is that some of the public perceive a possible relationship between electromagnetic fields (hereinafter, EMFs) and health, especially in relation to the EMFs generated by mobile communication masts.

In 2006, the European Union published an initial Special Eurobarometer on EMFs.

In June 2010 the European Union published a second Special Eurobarometer on EMFs, which analysed the opinions of the public in the 27 Member States on: Environmental factors and health. Electromagnetic fields: behaviours and concerns about the potential risks. Satisfaction with information received about potential risks. Ways in which information is received. The role to be played by public administrations in this matter.

4

1. Introduction Additionally, the Government of Catalonia, in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Barcelona

Foundation, is developing a series of projects to generate social consensus on the use of mobile communication masts in a number of Catalan municipalities. These are local projects undertaken within the municipality and their main aim is to analyse the problems associated with the of mobile communication masts in these towns in order to draw conclusions that can be extrapolated to the rest of Catalonia's municipalities.

The first statistical study within Catalonia was undertaken in 2011 with the aim of obtaining data on the population's knowledge of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and the public's perception of the possible relationships between EMFs and health.

In 2015, the CTTI (commissioned by the Directorate-General for Telecommunications and the Information Society (DGTSI)) needed to undertake a second study on the Catalan population's knowledge and perception of electromagnetic fields, coinciding with the end of the Project and in order to make a comparison with moment zero (2011) to analyse the effectiveness and impact of the actions undertaken within the Project.

The CTTI (commissioned by the DGTSI) subcontracted Gabinet Ceres to conduct a Study on the Population of Catalonia's Perception of Electromagnetic Fields.

5

1. The Objectives of the Study The main objective of this ‘Study on the Population of Catalonia's Perception of Electromagnetic

Fields’ is to obtain final data, 2011 initial data and 2015 final data, in order to remeasure, on the one hand, the public's knowledge of EMFs and, on the other hand, some of the public's perception of the possible relationship between EMFs and health.

With this second wave the objective is to compare the main results in order to analyse the effectiveness and impact of the actions undertaken within the ‘Radioelectric Governance’ LIFE project in relation to improving information about EMFs for the public in Catalonia.

Accordingly, the aim of this survey is to obtain comparable statistical data to: Determine the extent to which the population is aware of electromagnetic fields.

Determine the health risks perceived by the population in relation to electromagnetic fields.

Determine the level of information that the population has about electromagnetic fields and their potential health risks.

Determine the population's degree of concern about electromagnetic fields.

Determine how the population obtains information on these matters and the level of satisfaction with this information.

Define, in accordance with the public's opinions, what role public administrations should play.

Determine the impact of actions implemented by public administrations: record of campaigns and actions; risk perception;

level of association between mobile communication masts and health risks.

6

1. The Objectives of the Study

7

The blocks into which the questionnaire is structured and the indicators included in them are as follows:

o General health concerns

o Knowledge of electromagnetic fields

o General information about electromagnetic fields

o Electromagnetic fields and health

o Mobile telephony

o Record of campaigns and actions

1. Technical Characteristics of the Survey Universe

Residents of Catalonia aged 15 and above.

Size of the sample 1,262 surveys were conducted from 26 June to 14 July 2015.

Distribution of the sample The sample was distributed by geographic area, town size, age and sex. The sample was stratified by area in order to strengthen the size of the sample in the least populated

areas and obtain results with minimal significance. The sample design must incorporate the town size variable in order to control the proportion of the

urban, semi-rural and rural population (fewer than 2,000 inhabitants, 2,001 to 5,000 inhabitants, 5,001 to 20,000 inhabitants and more than 20,000 inhabitants).

Finally, a non-proportional, stratified, multistage sample was produced.– Non-proportional distribution of the sample in each one of the areas– Within each area, proportional distribution in accordance with the size of the town.– Within each area, proportional distribution in accordance with the sex and age quotas.

Associated sampling error The associated sampling error (calculated in accordance with the sampling errors formula for infinite

universes) is ±2.8% with a 95.5% confidence level, assuming maximum statistical uncertainty (p=q=50%).

Survey administration system Telephone administration and mechanisation over a CATI platform.

8

2. Results Analysis

Results Analysis The graphs of the total results for Catalonia are presented below with the

subsequent description of the most significant results for each one of the questions.

10

General Health Concerns

11

44%

42%

42%

36%

35%

32%

31%

31%

28%

18%

35%

38%

27%

37%

34%

34%

35%

33%

33%

36%

14%

15%

17%

18%

19%

20%

14%

19%

25%

28%

6%

4%

13%

9%

9%

8%

8%

11%

11%

15%

1%1%

1%

3%

7%

12%

7%

2%3%

Exterior air quality

Exposure to sunlight

Drinking water quality

Noise

Waste landfills

Water quality in rivers and lakes

Electromagnetic fields

High-voltage electricity lines

Interior air quality

Housing conditions

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

To what extent do you believe that the following elements can affect your health?Base: survey total (1262)

A lot Quite a lot A bit Not at all DK/NR

Main Results: General Health Concerns

General Health Concerns Exterior air quality, exposure to sunlight and drinking water quality are the

elements that are perceived to be those most harmful to health. EMFs are in seventh place on the list of aforementioned elements in relation to the

percentage of people who consider that the extent to which they affect health is a lot or quite a lot. Specifically, two thirds of the people consulted believe that they affect their health (31% a lot and 35% quite a lot).

Additionally, if the percentage of people who believe there are no effects (14% a bit and 8% not at all) is considered, there are only two elements (exterior air quality and exposure to sunlight) that have a lesser effect than EMFs.

These two visions arise as a consequence of the fact that the percentage of people consulted who do not know whether EMFs affect health or not is the highest of all the analysed elements.

Housing conditions are in last place.

12

Knowledge of Electromagnetic Fields (1/5)

13

N.B.: spontaneous multiple-choice response

13,0%12,0%

8,2%6,0%

5,3%4,4%4,4%

3,7%3,5%3,4%3,1%2,8%

2,1%1,6%1,3%1,1%1,0%0,6%0,6%0,6%0,5%0,5%0,5%

6,3%23,1%

6,4%

MastsMobile phones

HealthElectricity

High voltageWi-Fi

WavesSomething bad

MicrowavesDomestic appliances

RadiationMagnetismTelephoneComputers

EnergyTV

InternetRadioactivity

ContaminationNerves/insomnia

PhysicsTechnology

EffectsOther

I don't know what they areDK/NR

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

What is the first thing that comes to mind in relation to electromagnetic fields?Base: survey total (1262)


14

17,4%

53,1%

23,1%

6,4%

Mentionsnegativeaspects

Mentionsneutralaspects

Doesn't knowwhat they are

DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Summary indicator on aspects that are related to electromagnetic fields

Base: survey total (1262)

52,8%

16,1%

1,6%

23,1%

6,4%

Mentionshighlyrelatedaspects

Mentionsbarelyrelatedaspects

Mentionsunrelatedaspects

Doesn'tknow what

they are

DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Summary indicator on aspects that are related to electromagnetic fields



15


56,4%

49,7%

41,8%

33,5%

30,9%

26,2%

24,2%

10,4%

5,5%

5,0%

4,2%

1,4%

4,0%

0,1%

10,4%

Mobile phones

Mobile communication masts

High-voltage electricity pylons

Domestic appliances

Microwaves

Computers

Wi-Fi Equipment

Hair dryers

Alarms

Radars

Ceramic hobs

Electricity

Other

None

DK/NR

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Which elements do you think generate electromagnetic fields?Base: people for whom something comes to mind in relation to EMFs (896, 71%)


16

56,4%

49,7%

30,9%

41,8%

26,2%

33,5%

24,2%

5,0%

5,5%

10,4%

4,2%

33,0%

36,4%

49,3%

38,3%

49,8%

35,1%

43,1%

41,9%

38,6%

28,1%

26,3%

10,6%

13,9%

19,9%

19,9%

24,0%

31,4%

32,7%

53,1%

56,0%

61,5%

69,5%

Mobile phones


Microwaves


Computers

Domestic appliances

Wi-Fi Equipment

Radars

Alarms

Hair dryers

Vitroceramic hobs

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Of the following elements, which do you think produce electromagnetic fields?Base: people for whom something comes to mind in relation to EMFs (896, 71%)

Spontaneous knowledge Suggested knowledge Doesn't know


17

*N.B.: before answering this question the participants were read ‘An electromagnetic field is thecombination of an electrical field and a magnetic field. They may occur naturally or be artificiallyproduced. Natural fields include sunlight for example. Artificial fields are generated by radios,televisions, mobile phones, microwave ovens and other devices.’

84,3%

15,7%

Yes No0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Now you know what electromagnetic fields are, had you heard of them before? *Base: survey total (1262)

Main Results: Knowledge of EMFs (1/2)

Initial associations When asked to indicate the first thing that comes to mind in relation to EMFs, 23%

indicted that they do not know what they are and 6% took no position in this respect. In contrast, 71% mention at least one aspect.

Specifically, the ideas most related to EMFs are masts, mobile phones and health. Other ideas such as high voltage, electricity, waves and Wi-Fi follow them on the list.

The summary indicators based on associations with EMFs reveal that approximately one quarter of people who are capable of naming aspects related to EMFs, relate them to negative aspects (e.g. ‘something bad’) and, on the other hand, also approximately one fourth relate them to aspects that have little or no relationshipwith EMFs (e.g. ‘films’ or ‘humidity’).

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Main Results: Knowledge of EMFs (2/2)

Elements that produce electromagnetic fields In general, there is quite good knowledge of the various elements that generate

EMFs. Mobile phones, mobile communication masts and high-voltage pylons are the

elements most spontaneously cited, 56%, 50% and 42% respectively, as elements that generate EMFs.

After reading the various elements that can generate EMFs, mobile phones and mobile communication masts remain in first place, given that more than 85% of the people consulted believe that they produce them. In contrast, ceramic hobs, hair dryers, alarms and radars are the elements least known to be EMF generators.

Suggested knowledge Having read the definition of EMFs, 84% of the people consulted stated that they had

heard of them.

19

Information about Electromagnetic Fields (1/4)

20

3,6%

18,8%

59,3%

17,8%

0,5%

A lot of information Enough information A little information No information DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

In relation to electromagnetic fields, do you think you have...?Base: survey total (1262)


21

1%

10%

3%

2%

7%

1%

2%

2%

5%

4%

6%

4%

7%

15%

17%

11%

28%

19%

15%

18%

24%

31%

28%

33%

35%

26%

41%

51%

33%

52%

60%

78%

69%

63%

62%

61%

55%

46%

37%

32%

27%

25%

22%

2%2%

1%

3%

2%2%

2%1%

4%

6%

3%

1%

Mobile phone operators

Residents associations

Councils

Consumer associations

Government of Catalonia

Health Organisations

Schools, colleges and…

Friends and family

Radio

Internet

Press

Television

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

How much information do you get from the following media and institutions about electromagnetic fields?

Base: people who consider that they are informed (1037, 82%)

A lot Quite a lot A bit None DK/NR


22

12,6%

45,0%

32,2%

9,4%

0,9%

Very Quite A little Not DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

How interested are you in this type of information?Base: survey total (1262)


23

16,4%

6,0%

41,2%35,2%

1,3%

Satisfied Too much Not enough No interest DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Indicator of general information sufficiencyBase: survey total (1262)

Main Results: Information about EMFs (1/3) Information about electromagnetic fields

22% of the people consulted consider that they have a lot of or enough information about EMFs, 59% believe that they have a little information and 18% that they have no information.

With respect to their interest in this information, 13% are very interested, 45% quite interested, 32% a little interested and 9% are not interested at all.

24

Main Results: Information about EMFs (2/3) Electromagnetic field information summary indicator

A summary indicator has been created based on the information the people consulted consider they have about EMFs and their interest in this information. Accordingly, the people consulted are classified as follows:

41% NEED INFORMATION (they do not have information, but they are interested) 35% ARE NOT INTERESTED (they neither have nor want information) 16% SATISFIED (they have information and are interested) 6% TOO MUCH INFORMATION (they have information but are not interested).

25

Main Results: Information about EMFs (3/3) Media or institutions through which information is received

The media through which the most information has been received about EMFs are the Internet and the mass media (press, television and radio).

Conversely, the media from which the least information has been received are mobile telephone operators, residents associations, town councils, consumer associations and the Government of Catalonia.

26

Electromagnetic Fields and Health (1/5)

27

15,1%

38,5%

28,4%

16,9%

1,2%

Very Quite A little No DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Are you concerned about whether electromagnetic fields can affect your health?Base: survey total (1262)


28

50,8%

31,5%

2,7%

14,9%

They are harmful It is not clear whether theyare harmful

They are not harmful I don't have any informationabout this

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

According to what you have read or heard, which of the following statements best fits the possible relationship between electromagnetic fields and health?



29

28,1%

65,4%

6,5%

It has been proven that they areharmful

There are signs that they could beharmful

There are no signs or evidence thatthey could be harmful

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

How certain are you that they are harmful?Base: people who state that they are harmful (641, 51%)


30

6,6%

9,6%

16,5%

24,1%

30,7%

37,9%

47,8%

16,8%

30,5%

45,6%

41,2%

39,9%

43,6%

40,0%

42,8%

47,8%

28,2%

20,1%

22,5%

12,8%

7,3%

23,4%

7,7%

4,8%

6,1%

4,1%

2,8%

1,3%

10,5%

4,4%

4,9%

8,6%

2,9%

2,9%

3,7%

Hair dryer

Television

Computer

Wi-Fi Equipment

Microwaves

Mobile phone

Mobile communicationmasts

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Do you believe that the electromagnetic fields generated by the following domestic appliances and equipment could affect your health?

Base: people who state that they are harmful (641, 51%)

A lot Quite a lot A bit Not at all DK/NR


31


47,5%

31,7%

7,8%

4,2%

3,2%

2,5%

2,4%

1,7%

2,3%

20,6%

5,8%

Mobile phone too close

Talking for a long time

Sleeping next to mobile phone

Carrying it in pocket

Using Wi-Fi/Bluetooth

Excessive use

Using phone while battery ischarging

Leaving phone on or charging allnight

Other

I haven't heard anything

DK/NR

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Taking into account that you have indicated that mobile phones could affect health, do you know or have heard which uses could be harmful?

Base: people who think that mobile phones can affect health (522, 41%)

Main Results: EMFs and Health (1/3)

Concern about health effects 54% of those surveyed are very or quite concerned about whether EMFs can affect

their health, 28% are a bit concerned and 17% are not at all concerned.

Perception about health effects With regard to the information the public have about EMFs 51% state that EMFs are

harmful to health, 31% that they it is not clear whether they are harmful and finally only 3% that they are not harmful for health and 15% do have any information in this respect.

32


Degree of certainty about health effects Specifically, of the 51% who consider them harmful, just over a quarter state that this

is a proven fact, two out of three believe that there are signs that they could be harmful and a very small percentage state that there are no signs or evidence to believe that they are harmful.

Perception about the affect of domestic appliances and electronic equipment Those who believe that EMFs are harmful cite the following elements or devices due

to their special effects: mobile communication masts and mobile phones. They are followed by microwave ovens, Wi-Fi equipment and computers.

33


Perception about the specific effects of mobile phones Those who consider that mobile phones can affect health cite as the main harmful

uses having mobile phones too close and talking too long. Secondly, they cite aspects like sleeping next to a mobile phone, carrying it in a pocket and using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

26% of the people who consider mobile phones to be harmful cannot say which uses can adversely affect health.

34

Information about Electromagnetic Fields and Health (1/6)

35

4,5%

27,8%

41,1%

20,4%

6,2%

Very Quite Not very Not at all DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

In general, how satisfied are you with the information you have read or heard about the possible relationship between electromagnetic fields and health?



36


56,7%

18,4%

14,7%

12,8%

9,1%

5,9%

4,2%

3,7%

1,3%

3,0%

The information is insufficient

I do not receive information

The information is not communicatedproperly

The information is not objective

The information is not reliable

The information is poorly explained

The information is not interesting

The information is complicated

Other

DK/NR

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Why are you dissatisfied with the information about the possible relationship between electromagnetic fields and health?

Base: people who are not very or not at all satisfied with the information (855, 67%)


37

31,6% 31,9%

12,9%

22,5%

1,2%

Definitely Probably Probably not Definitely not DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Would you like to receive more information about the possible relationship between electromagnetic fields and health?



38

14,6% 17,4% 18,2%

42,7%

7,1%

Too much Satisfied Not interested Need information DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Indicator on the sufficiency of information about the relationship of electromagnetic fields and health



39

64,0%

29,8%

24,3%

15,1%

14,6%

13,0%

8,8%

8,1%

5,4%

3,8%

3,0%

1,1%

1,4%

Television

General press

Internet

Offical government publications

Radio

Personal correspondence or email

Specialist publications

Device instruction manuals

Conferences and exhibitions

Specialist courses and seminars

Information in the workplace

Other

DK/NR

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

In which of the following ways would you like to receive information about these matters? Indicate your first two preferences.

Base: people who would like to receive more information (815, 65%)


40

62,1%

53,0%

42,2%

10,8%

10,2%

4,9%

1,6%

3,9%


Councils





Other

DK/NR

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

From which of the following bodies and institutions would you like to receive information? Indicate your first two preferences.

Base: people who would like to receive more information (815, 65%)

Main Results: Information about EMFs and Health (1/3) Information about electromagnetic fields

62% of those surveyed are not satisfied or not very satisfied with the information they have read or heard about the possible relationship between EMFs and health, 32% are very or quite satisfied and 6% have no opinion.

The main cause of this dissatisfaction is that the information they have read or received is insufficient (57%). Other reasons are not receiving information (18%), the information is not communicated properly (15%), it is not objective (13%) or it is not reliable (9%).

With respect to their interest in this information, 64% of those consulted would like to have more information about EMFs and 35% are not interested.

41

Main Results: Information about EMFs and Health (2/3) Summary indicator of satisfaction with / need for information

about EMFs and health A summary indicator has been created based on the satisfaction of the people

consulted with the information they have about the effects of EMFs on health and their interest in this information. Accordingly, the people consulted are classified a follows:

43% NEED INFORMATION (they are not satisfied with the information, but they are interested in having more)

18% ARE NOT INTERESTED (they are not satisfied with the information and they are not interested in having more)

17% SATISFIED (satisfied with the information and are interested) 15% TOO MUCH INFORMATION (satisfied with the information but not interested)

42

Main Results: Information about EMFs (3/3) Media through which it is preferable to receive this information

The people who would like to have more information cite television as the preferred medium to receive it.

In a distant second are the general press, the Internet, official publications from public administrations, radio and personal correspondence or email.

With regard to receiving information through public bodies and/or institutions, almost two thirds of those who would like to receive more information would prefer to receive it from the Government of Catalonia, followed by councils and health organisations.

It should be noted that residents and consumer associations are very low on the list of preferred organisations for the reception of information.

43

Mobile Telephony and Masts (1/9)

44

6,7%

17,3%

56,3%

12,0%7,4%

0,3%

I don't use it Not every day Less than 1 hour 1 to 2 hours More than 2 hours DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Approximately how much time do you use your mobile phone every day to make or receive calls?



45

5,8% 5,0%

53,4%30,8% 33,6%

33,1%63,4% 61,4%

13,5%

Handsfree Speaker Short calls0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

When you use your mobile phone to make or receive calls, do you perform one of the following actions?

Base: people who use a mobile phone to make calls (1178, 93%)

Always Sometimes Never


46

11,6% 9,8%

36,8%16,7% 19,4%

15,5%

71,7% 70,8%

47,7%

Hands-free Speaker Short calls0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

When a child or adolescent uses the phone, do you recommend any of the following actions?

Base: people in homes with minors (455, 36%)

Always Sometimes Never


47

7,6%

27,2%

47,7%

77,3%

82,1%56,0%

34,4%

10,8%

10%17% 18% 12%

On your building On a nearby building In yourneighbourhood/district

In your municipality0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Do you know if there is a mobile communication mast in the following locations?Base: survey total (1262)

Yes No DK/NR


48

7,6%

21,1% 21,2%

29,3%

9,3% 11,5%

On your building On a nearby building In yourneighbourhood/district

In your municipality Outside yourmunicipality

DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Indicator on the closest mobile telephone mastBase: survey total (1262)


49

21,0% 23,5%

37,7%

17,8%

Yes No I can't remember DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Were there complaints when the mast was installed?Base: people who have a mast in their municipality (999, 79%)


50


36,3%17,0%

5,5%4,8%

1,9%1,8%

8,8%3,9%

1,9%1,5%1,3%

4,7%1,4%

6,2%10,0%

Harmful to health

Residents did not want the mast

Near a school

The location

TV did not work

Too many masts/antennas on the same building

Demonstrations

Banners

Social platforms

Submitted to the council

Signed petition

The complaint was effective

The mast was accepted

Other

I can't remember

In re

latio

n to

the

RE

AS

ON

S…

In re

latio

n to

the

TYP

E O

F C

OM

PLA

INT…

Oth

ers

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

What type of complaints were there?Base: people who remember there being complaints when the mast was installed (210, 17%)


51

17,6%24,5% 21,1%

36,1%

39,7%38,4%

20,7%

19,5%19,7%

23,1%12,2% 15,1%

2,5% 4,1% 5,5%

Nearby mast (own building or nearby) No masts nearby TOTAL0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Are you or would you be concerned if there were a mobile communication mast close to your home?Base: survey total (1262)

Very Quite A bit Not at all DK/NR


52

30,6%

21,6%24,9%

18,7%

4,3%

Definitely not Probably not Probably Definitely DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Would you accept the installation of a mobile communication mast near to your home if it complied with all the regulations and controls?


Main Results: Mobile Telephony and Masts (1/3)

Use of mobile phones to make and receive calls 76% of those surveyed use mobile phones every day (making and/or receiving calls).

7% use mobile phones for longer than 2 hours and 12% for one to two hours a day. 17% of those surveyed have a mobile phone but do not use it every day and 7% do

not use mobile phones. Making short calls is the most usual action among people who use mobile phones to

call and also the most recommended for minors. Using hands-free and/or speakers are actions that very few people habitually do and recommend.

53


Nearby mobile communication masts 12% of those surveyed do not know where their closest mobile communication

mast is. 8% have a mast on their building, 27% on a nearby building, 48% in their

neighbourhood or district and 77% in the municipality. 21% of people who have an antenna in the municipality state that when it was

installed there were complaints, mainly related to being an installation that is harmful to health, 24% state that there were no complaints and 55% do not remember.

54


Mast concerns and acceptance 60% of those surveyed are very or quite concerned that there is a mobile

communication mast close to their home, 20% are not very concerned and 15% are not at all concerned.

It should be highlighted that people that have masts nearby (on their building or on a nearby building) are less concerned (54%) than those who do not (64%).

52% of those surveyed would not accept a mobile communication mast close to their home, even if it complies with all regulations and controls, whereas 44% would accept it (25% definitely and 19% probably).

55

Role of Public Administrations (1/3)

56

1,8%

14,1%

43,7%

28,0%

12,4%

Very effective Quite effective Somewhat effective Not at all effective DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Do you think that public administrations provide effective protection in relation to electromagnetic fields and health?

Base: total survey (1262)


57

16,6% 9,7% 16,4%

83,4% 90,3% 83,6%

Periodic controls undertaken by the publicadministrations to check compliance with

regulations

Continuous monitoring of EMFs throughthe Government of Catalonia's network ofmonitoring equipment to ensure that themeasured levels are always nelow thethresholds indicated in the reguations

Publication of EMF levels on theGovernment of Catalonia's Radioelectric

Governance website

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

I am going to read you some actions that are performed on mobile communication masts. Indicate whether you have heard of them.


Yes No


58

20,4%

48,3%

18,1%

8,3%4,9%

A lot Quite a lot A bit Not at all DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

To what extent would you trust the information published by the Government of Catalonia on electromagnetic fields and health?


Main Results: Role of Public Administrations (1/2)

Role of public administrations 28% of those surveyed indicate that the various public administrations are not

effective in protecting the public against EMFs, 44% that they are not very effectiveand only 16% believe that they are effective.

83% do not know that the various administrations carry out periodic checks on mobile communication masts to verify compliance with regulations.

93% do not know that the Government of Catalonia has a continuous monitoring network for EMFs generated by mobile communication masts.

84% do not know that EMF levels are published on the Radioelectric Governance website.

59

Main Results: Role of Public Administrations (2/2)

Confidence in public administrations 69% of those surveyed would trust the information that the Government of Catalonia

publishes in relation to EMFs and health (20% a lot and 48% quite a lot), whereas 26% would not trust it.

60

Assessment of Actions

61

44,1% 44,0%

6,6%2,0% 3,3%

Very good Good Bad Very bad DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

How do you rate the actions undertaken by the councils and the Government of Catalonia to inform the public about these aspects?


Main Results: Assessment of Actions

Assessment 88% of those surveyed rate very good or good (44% and 44%) that the councils and

the Government of Catalonia take action to inform the pubic about these aspects. Only 9% rate it poorly.

62

Change of Opinion about EMFs (1/2)

63

*N.B.: before asking this question those consulted were read ‘In the last few decades, in response to publicand government concerns, a large number of studies have been conducted to determine whether EMFs,especially those associated with masts and mobile phones, can pose a risk to health, and so far norelationship has been found between EMF exposure and harmful effects, provided that the exposure levelsare lower than those indicated in current regulations.’

14,6%24,6% 21,6%

100%

82%72% 74%

They are not harmful It is not clear whether theyare harmful

They are harmful TOTAL0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Now that you know this information, has your perception of EMFs changed? *Base: total survey (1262)

Yes No

Change of Opinion about EMFs (2/2)

64

26,0%21,9%

19,6%13,0%

7,7%4,3%4,2%3,9%

2,1%1,9%1,5%1,3%1,2%1,2%0,7%0,5%

2,3%

My perception has improvedI feel better informedI am less concerned

Improved, but I would like to verify the informationI would like more informationMy perception has changed

Now I am more concerned and more awareNow I think it is more important

I trust the informationI am not confident that legislation is complied with

I don't understand why people say they are so bad…I am glad that there is enough interest and concern…

I am more awareI was already well informed

Now I woud allow a nearby installationOther

DK/NR

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Could you indicate in what sense?Base: people who state that they have changed their opinion (272, 21,6%)

Main Results: Change of Opinion about EMFs

Change of opinion Once it was explained that so far there is no relationship between exposure to EMFs

and health effects, provided that the exposure level is less than that indicated by regulations, 22% of those consulted state that they had changed their opinion with respect to their previous answers.

There are differences between the previous opinion and the percentage of change. Accordingly, all the people who considered that EMFs are not harmful maintained their opinion; whereas 25% of those who stated that they are harmful state that following this explanation their perception has changed.

Practically all the people who changed their opinion changed it to positive, whether due to less perception of risk or due to feeling more informed: ‘my perception has improved’, ‘I feel more informed’, ‘I am less concerned’.

Notwithstanding, there were also some cases in which the change is related to being more aware and interested in the subject.

65

3. Comparative Report on the 2011 and 2015 Surveys

Aspects to Be Taken into Account

67

The review phase of the questionnaire used in 2011 revealed that a series ofimprovements and changes should be made to new questionnaire. In some cases, thismeant that the data are not comparable and, in others, the results should beinterpreted with a degree of caution.

Changes were made to the survey with the aim of producing a more effective tool tocollect information from the public while making every effort to fully respect thecontinuity of the previous edition.

The main changes that affect the ability to compare the 2011 and 2015 results are:

– The base of people who were asked the question– Response scales (from 3 to 4 categories)– Order of the questions– Wording of some questions

Therefore, although the trends and rankings are comparable, special attention must bepaid to the specific percentages (above all when the difference between 2011 and 2015lies in the base of people answer the question).

To facilitate the viewing of the data where more care must be taken and more attentionpaid in relation to comparisons they have been marked with a symbol:

General Health Concerns: Evolution

68

N.B.: in 2015 the scale had 4 categories ‘a lot, quite a lot, a bit and not at all’, whereas in 2011 there were 3 ‘a lot, quitea lot and not at all’. To ensure that the data are as comparable as possible the nominal scales have been changed tonumerical ones: 2015, ‘a lot (4), quite a lot (3), a bit (2) and not at all (1)’ and 2011, ‘a lot (4), quite a lot (2.5) and not atall (1)’.This change has been made with the aim of generating more detailed information, avoiding a medium category (‘quitea lot’) and forcing a more precise position from the people consulted (‘quite a lot’ or ‘a bit’).

3,16

3,42

3,06

3,29

3,24

2,98

3,11

3,13

2,81

2,74

3,15

3,17

2,94

2,98

2,90

2,77

2,66

2,71

2,74

2,52

Exterior air quality

Exposure to sunlight

Potable water quality

Noise

Waste dumps

Water quality in rivers and lakes

Electromagnetic fields

High-voltage electricity lines

Interior air quality

Housing conditions

1 2 3 4

To what extent do you think the following elements can affect your health?Base: total survey

2011

2015

Knowledge of EMFs: Evolution (1/2)

69

N.B.: the wording of the question was changed in 2015. In 2011 the question was ‘Do you know what EMFs are?’ in2015 it was ‘What is the first thing that comes to mind in relation to EMFs?’.This change has been made to create a subsequent indicator to see what EMFs are associated with.

N.B.: the ‘No’ category incorporates all the people consulted who explicitlyindicate ‘I don't know what they are’ or ‘DK/NR’ (Don't Know/No Response) andthe ‘Yes’ category includes all those that mention an idea when asked whatcomes to mind in relation to EMFs.

84%

16%

70,5%

29,5%

Yes No0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Knowledge of what EMFs areBase: total survey

2011 2015

Knowledge of EMFs: Evolution (2/2)

70

N.B.: the base of people who were asked this question has changed.In 2015, it was decided that it would only be asked of people who have some knowledge of EMFs, given that it wasconsidered that the replies of the people who do not know what they are less grounded and may refer, to a greatextent, to other aspects.

94,7%

94,8%

87,8%

91,6%

84,3%

73,7%

67,9%

61,5%

44,5%

44,1%

40,0%

89,4%

86,1%

80,2%

80,1%

76,0%

68,6%

67,3%

46,9%

44,1%

38,5%

30,5%

Mobile phones


Microwaves


Computers

Domestic appliances

Wi-Fi Equipment

Radars

Alarms

Hair dryers

Ceramic hobs

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Which elements do you think generate electromagnetic fields?2015: people for whom something comes to mind in relation to EMFs

2011: total survey

20112015

Interest in Information about EMFs: Evolution

71

N.B.: in 2015 the assessment scale was ‘very, quite, not very and not’. In order to have comparable data, the NOoption incorporates the response categories ‘not very and not’ and the YES option incorporates ‘very and quite’.This change was made to have more detailed information and to better understand the degree of interest in theinformation.

63%

37%

57,6%

41,5%

0,9%

Yes No DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Interest in information about EMFsBase: total survey

2011 2015

Electromagnetic Fields and Health: Evolution (1/3)

72

12,5%

35,1%39,7%

11,7%

1,0%

15,1%

38,5%

28,4%

16,9%

1,2%

Very Quite A little No DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Are you concerned about whether electromagnetic fields can affect your health?

Base: total survey

2011 2015


73

76,0%

16,1%

1,8%6,1%

50,8%

31,5%

2,7%

14,9%

They are harmful It is not clear whether theyare harmful

They are not harmful I don't have informationabout this

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

According to what you have read or heard, which of the following statements best fits the relationship between electromagnetic fields and health?

Base: total surveys

2011 2015


74

% of responses that indicate ‘A lot’

N.B.: the base of people who were asked this question has changed.In 2015 it was decided that the question would be posed only to those who stated that they are harmful for tworeasons: 1. it makes no sense to ask about the effect of various aspects if they generally do not consider them to beharmful and 2. avoid general social alarm.

60,7%

52,8%

37,7%

19,1%

29,8%

11,7%

4,4%

47,8%

37,9%

30,7%

24,1%

16,5%

9,6%

6,6%

Mobile communicationmasts

Mobile phone

Microwaves

Wi-Fi Equipment

Computers

Television

Hair dryers

0,0% 20,0% 40,0% 60,0% 80,0% 100,0%

Do you think that the electromagnetic fields generated by the following domestic appliances and equipment could affect your health?

2015: people who state they are harmful2011: total survey

2011

2015

% of responses that indicate ‘A lot’

EMF Information and Health: Evolution (1/4)

75

4,0%

40,6% 39,7%

11,1%4,6%4,5%

27,8%

41,1%

20,4%

6,2%

Very Quite Not very Not at all DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

In general, how satisfied are you with the information you have read or heard about the possible relationship between electromagnetic fields and health?

Base: total survey

2011 2015


76

64,5%

5,8%

10,9%

5,6%

5,6%

1,3%

4,4%

0,5%

1,4%

56,7%

18,4%

14,7%

12,8%

9,1%

5,9%

4,2%

3,7%

1,3%

3,0%

The information is insufficient

I do not receive information

The information is notcommunicated properly

The information is not objective

The information is not reliable

The information is poorly explained

The information is not interesting

The infomation is complicated

Other

DK/NR

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Why are you dissatisfied with the information about the possible relationship between electromagnetic fields and health?

Base: people who are not satisfied with the information

20112015


77

N.B.: the base of people who were asked this question has changed.In 2015, with the incorporation of the question ‘Would you like to receive more information about electromagnetic fieldsand health?’, it was decided that preferences as to the reception of this information would only be asked of people whostated that they would like to receive more information.

65,4%

33,2%

16,0%

13,1%

17,2%

18,6%

5,7%

8,5%

5,9%

1,9%

4,2%

1,6%

5,9%

64,0%

29,8%

24,3%

15,1%

14,6%

13,0%

8,8%

8,1%

5,4%

3,8%

3,0%

1,1%

1,4%

Television

General press

Internet

Official government publications

Radio

Personal correspondence or email

Specialist publications

Device instruction manuals

Conferences and exhibitions

Specialist courses and seminars

Information in the workplace

Other

DK/NR

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

In which of the following ways would you like to receive information about these matters? Indicate your first two preferences.

2015: people who would like to receive more information2011: total survey

20112015


78

N.B.: the base of people who were asked this question has varied and in 2011 there was no question about thetelephony operators or about residents associations and the number of responses was limited to a maximum of 2.These changes have been made to follow the same criteria as in the question about preferred channels: only to thepeople who would like to receive more information and limit the response to the first two preferences.

74,8%

74,2%

79,7%

64,8%

3,1%

62,1%

53,0%

42,2%

10,8%

10,2%

4,9%

1,6%

3,9%


Councils





Other

DK/NR

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

From which of the following bodies and institutions would you like to receive information? Indicate your first two preferences.2015: people who would like to receive more information

2011: total survey

20112015

Mobile Telephony and Masts: Evolution (1/4)

79

55%

13%07%

19%

07%

56,3%

12,0%7,4%

17,3%

6,7%0,3%

Less than 1 hour 1 to 2 hours More than 2hours

Not every day I don't use it DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Approximately how much time do you use your mobile phone every day to make or receive calls?

Base: total survey

2011 2015


80

N.B.: in 2015 the question was changed to facilitate the response and try to reduce the high percentage of ‘I don'tknow’ answers. For this reason, instead of generally asking whether there is a mast less than 200 metres from theirhome, the question asks whether there is a mast in different locations (on their building, on a nearby building, in theneighbourhood or in the municipality).

7,6%

21,1%

21,2%

29,3%

9,3%

11,5%

On your building

On a nearbybuilding

In yourneighbourhood/d

istrict

In yourmunicipality

Outside yourmunicipality

DK/NR

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2015Closest mobile communication mast

Base: total survey

16,7%

46,8%

36,5%

Yes

No

Don't know

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2011Is there a mobile communication mast

less than 200 m from your home?Base: total survey


81

N.B.: in 2015 the assessment scale was ‘very, quite, a bit and not at all’ and in 2011 it was ‘yes, a little and no’. In orderto have comparable data, the options ‘very and quite’ were grouped to make them comparable to the ‘yes’ option.This change has been made with the aim of generating more detailed information, avoiding a medium category (‘alittle’) and forcing a more precise position from the people consulted (‘quite’ or ‘a bit’).

51%

24% 23%

03%

59,5%

19,7%15,1%

5,5%

Very/Quite A bit Not at all DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Are you or would you be concerned if there were a mobile communication mast close to your home?

Base: total survey

2011 2015


82

N.B.: in 2015 the assessment scale was ‘definitely not, probably not, probably and definitely’. In order to havecomparable data, the NO option incorporates the response categories ‘probably not and definitely not’ and the YEScategory includes ‘probably and definitely’.This change was made to have more detailed information and to better understand the degree of acceptance of thisinstallation.

53%

40%

07%

52,2%

43,6%

4,3%

No Yes DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Would you accept the installation of a mobile communication mast near to your home if it complied with all the regulations and controls?

Base: total survey

2011 2015

Role of Public Administrations: Evolution (1/3)

83

N.B.: in 2011 the response categories were slightly different ‘very, quite, not very and not at all’.

3,4%

20,4%

42,0%

14,7%19,5%

1,8%

14,1%

43,7%

28,0%

12,4%

Very effective Quite effective Somewhat effective Not effective DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Do you think that public administrations provide effective protection in relation to electromagnetic fields and health?

Base: total survey

2011 2015


84

48,9%

16,6%

35,7%

9,7%

51,1%

83,4%

64,3%

90,3%

2011 2015 2011 2015

Periodic controls undertaken by public administrationsto check compliance with regulations

Continuous monitoring through the network ofmonitoring equipment

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

I am going to read you some actions that are performed on mobile communication masts. Indicate whether you have heard of them.

Base: total survey

Yes No


85

N.B.: in 2015 the assessment scale was ‘a lot, quite a lot, a bit and not at all’ while in 2011 it was ‘yes, not much and no’. In order to have comparable data, the options ‘a lot and quite a lot’ were grouped to make them comparable to the ‘yes’ option, ‘a bit’ is compared to ‘not much’ and ‘not at all’ to ‘no’.This change has been made with the aim of generating more detailed information, avoiding a medium category (‘notmuch’) and forcing a more precise position from the people consulted (‘quite a lot’ or ‘a bit’).

57,7%

30,7%

7,8%3,8%

68,7%

18,1%

8,3%4,9%

A lot/Quite a lot A bit Not at all DK/NR0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

To what extent would you trust the information published by the Government of Catalonia in relation to electromagnetic fields and health?

Base: total survey

2011 2015

Main Results: Evolution (1/4)

86

General health concerns In general, the belief that the various elements proposed can affect health is lower in

2015 than in 2011. With regard to EMFs, in 2011 they were in 6th place on a list of 12 elements and in

2015 they were 7th on a list of 10. Specifically, in 2011 there was the belief that EMFs had more effect on health than the

quality of drinking water, the quality of exterior air and the quality of water in rivers andlakes, whereas in 2015 it is perceived that the effect on health of these three elementsis greater than the effect of EMFs.

Knowledge of what electromagnetic fields are While in 2011 16% of those surveyed stated that they did not know what EMFs are in

2015 29% indicated that that they do not know what they are or they have no opinionin this regard.

With regard to the elements that generate EMF, both in 2011 and 2015 there is a highlevel of knowledge. Notwithstanding, the level of knowledge in 2011 was greater thanin 2015.

Even though it must be taken into account that the specific percentages are not fullycomparable (in 2011, given that all those consulted were asked about the elementsthat generate EMFs and in 2015 only those who know what they are were asked), itcan be stated that the trend shows a reduction in the level of knowledge of all of theelements.


87

Interest in information about EMFs The percentage of the population who would like to have information about EMFs has

decreased slightly (63% vs 58%).

Electromagnetic fields and health The percentage of the population who are concerned about whether EMFs can affect

health has slightly increased (48% vs 54%). With regard to the population's belief about the effect on health of the EMFs generated

by various domestic appliances and electronic equipment, even though it must betaken into account that the specific percentages are not fully comparable (the bases ofpeople who were asked the question are different), it can be observed that the trend areduction in the perception that they have a significant effect.

There is a significant reduction (25 points) in the percentage of people consulted whostate with certainty that EMFs are harmful (76% vs 51%), in favour of the people whostate that it is not clear whether they are harmful (16% vs 32%) and those that statethey do not have any information in this regard (6% vs 15%).


88

Information about electromagnetic fields and health The percentage of the population surveyed that are satisfied with the information they

have read or heard about EMFs and health has reduced (45% vs 32%). The main cause of continuous dissatisfaction continues to be that the information is

not sufficient. Notwithstanding, in this wave there has been an increase indissatisfaction caused by not receiving information, and also considering that theinformation is not properly communicated, that the information is not reliable or is notinteresting.

The preferred medium to receive information also continues to be television andgeneral press, but Internet usage preference has significantly increased.

With regard to receiving information through public bodies and institutions, the dataare not fully comparable. In 2011 those consulted could mention more than twopreferences and, therefore, all the bodies and institutions are more preferable than in2015, where the options were limited to two.


89

Mobile telephony and masts Significant differences with regard to the use of mobile telephony to make or receive

calls have not been observed. With regard to the closest mobile communication mast, the data are not fully

comparable. In 2011 knowledge of a mast less than 200 metres from home wasasked, with a very high percentage of ignorance; whereas in 2015 they were askedabout specific locations and this ignorance significantly reduced.

There is an increase in the percentage of people surveyed who are concerned thatthere is a mobile communication mast close to their home (51% vs 60%), but there isalso a slight increase in those who would accept this installation close to their home ifall the regulations and controls are complied with (40% vs 44%).

Role of public administrations There is a reduction in the perception of the effectiveness of public administrations in

protecting the public against EMFs. There is a reduction in the percentage of peoplewho consider that they do it effectively (24% vs 16%) and an increase in those whobelieve that they are not effective at all (15% vs 28%).

Notwithstanding, there is a 10 point increase (58% vs 68%) in trust about theinformation that the Government of Catalonia publishes in relation to EMFs andhealth.

There is a significant decrease in the public's knowledge of the actions performed onmobile communication masts.

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