Awareness of the possible hazards of electromagnetic waves radiation among mobile phone users in Bosso, Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The dramatic increase in the number of mobile phones users raise significant concerns due to its possible negative effects on people exposed to radio waves radiating from the cell phones. Since mobile phones are used in positions very close to the human body and require a large number of base station antennas, the public and the scientists have raised a lot of questions on the possible health hazards these phones. This study therefore investigated the awareness of health hazards of using mobile phones in Bosso Metropolis, Niger State. The study was descriptive in nature. The sample size was 355. A structured questionnaire containing 24 items was used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using mean and Standard Deviation. The findings of the study revealed that mobile phone users in Bosso metropolis are not aware of most possible health hazard of electromagnetic waves radiated from mobile phones. In addition, the findings also revealed that the participants were not aware of ways of reducing these possible effects of the electromagnetic waves radiated from mobile phones. Conclusion was drawn and recommendations made among which are that efforts should be made by government, stakeholders in communication and health to improve and standardize the varying level of knowledge in Bosso Metropolis on the possible health risk of mobile phones and to ensure that users are informed accurately.