Potential health risks and risk management issues as a result of introducing WiMAX technology in Taiwan
Journal
Taiwan Journal of Public Health
Journal Volume
31
Journal Issue
5
Pages
399-411
Date Issued
2012
Author(s)
Walther, D.
Abstract
WiMAX is a brand new mobile communication technology whose impact on health and the environment has never been fully researched and evaluated by Taiwanese academia or regulatory departments such as the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA). This article introduces WiMAX technology, reviews the international scientific literature, investigates the potential health risks of WiMAX, considers risk management in Taiwan, and applies the concept of Uncertain Matrix of Knowledge. We found that the government used insufficient scientific evidence prior to drawing up and implementing WiMAX policy. The principles of deliberative and participatory democracy in Taiwan were eroded and ignored. By introducing the concept of the Uncertain Matrix of Knowledge and the methodology of the California EMF Program and SCENIHR, we addressed the problems of risk management and WiMAX policy making in Taiwan and also gave suggestions such as extended peer communities, technological democracy and risk communication.
Subjects
Magnetic wave; Magnetic wave health impact; Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields; Risk governance; WiMAX
SDGs
Type
other