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Risk perception of electromagnetic fields among school teachers and nursery school teachers: a mixed-methods study
Katharina Lüthy1, Claudia Riesmeyer2, Jessica Kühn2
1Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU Medizin, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany. Katharina.Luethy@med.uni.
BMC Public Health
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Many school teachers perceive risks from electromagnetic fields (EMFs) despite evidence showing no harm below legal limits. They feel uninformed and desire more information on EMFs and health effects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Risk Communication
Background:
- Widespread public concern exists regarding non-ionising electromagnetic fields (EMFs), despite a lack of evidence for adverse health effects below legal limits.
- School and nursery school teachers are key information multipliers for parents and children, yet their understanding of EMFs and associated health risks is largely unknown.
- Investigating teachers' risk perception and information levels regarding EMFs is crucial for addressing public health information needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the risk perception of non-ionising electromagnetic fields (EMFs) among school and nursery school teachers in Germany.
- To evaluate the subjective information level of these professional groups regarding EMFs and health.
- To identify different types of EMFs risk perception within these teacher populations.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study conducted in Germany in 2024.
- Combined online surveys (N=1400) with focus groups (N=29) involving school and nursery school teachers.
- Utilized latent class analysis to categorize EMFs risk perception and calculated corrected prevalence estimates.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of teachers (32-33%) believe EMF exposure below legal limits can cause adverse health effects.
- Latent class analysis identified five distinct EMFs risk perception types, with 11% in the high-risk perception category.
- A majority of teachers (56-77%) reported feeling poorly informed about EMFs, expressing concerns and a desire for more scientific information.
Conclusions:
- A substantial number of school and nursery school teachers exhibit considerable risk perception concerning EMFs.
- Teachers generally report low subjective information levels and a clear need for accessible information on EMF health effects.
- Development and evaluation of communication strategies tailored to teachers' needs are recommended to improve understanding and address concerns.
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