POR-91-21
Contract # HT372-214992/001/CY
Contract Date: 2022-01-07
Contract Value: $100,033.25

Final Report
Attitudes, Knowledge, and Expectations about Radiation Risk from Exposure to Radiation Emitting Devices

Prepared for
Health Canada
HC.cpab.por-rop.dgcap.SC@canada.ca

March 30, 2022

Prepared by
The Strategic Counsel
1 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 1200
Toronto, Ontario M4V 1K6
Tel: 416-975-4465 Fax: 416-975-1883
Email: info@thestrategiccounsel.com
Website: www.thestrategiccounsel.com

Ce rapport est aussi disponible en français sur demande.

Prepared for: Health Canada
Supplier Name: The Strategic Counsel

This public opinion research report presents the results of an online survey conducted by The Strategic Counsel on behalf of Health Canada. The research study was conducted with 5,000 Canadians, aged 16 and older, in February 2022.

Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre: Attitudes, connaissances et attentes relatives aux risques radiologiques associées à l'exposition aux dispositifs émettant des radiations.

This publication may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes only. Prior written permission must be obtained from Health Canada. For more information on this report, please contact Health Canada at: HC.cpab.por-rop.dgcap.SC@canada.ca or at:

Communications Branch and Public Affairs Branch
Health Canada
1576 Jeanne Mance Building
200 Eglantine Driveway
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9

Catalogue Number: H14-396/2022E-PDF

International Standard Book Number (ISBN): 978-0-660-43628-9

Related publications (Catalogue number: H14-396/2022F-PDF)

Attitudes, connaissances et attentes relatives aux risques radiologiques associées à l'exposition aux dispositifs émettant des radiations (Final Report, French) 978-0-660-43629-6

^©Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Health Canada 2022

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary
   1. Background and Objectives
   2. Methodology
   3. Key Findings
   4. Conclusions
2. Use of Radiation Emitting Devices
   1. Use within the Last 12 Months, by Device Type
   2. Frequency of Use within the Last 12 Months, by Device Type
   3. Nature and Frequency of Cell Phone Usage
   4. Use of Hearing Protection
3. Perception of Risk Associated with Radiation Emitting Devices
   1. Concern about Daily/Regular Usage
   2. Understanding of Radiation Emitted by Device Type
   3. General Perceptions of Risk
   4. Perceived Level of Harm, by Device Type
   5. Level of Concern Regarding Personal Health and Safety by Device Type
   6. Device Types of Most Concern
4. Sources of Information on Product Safety
   1. Sources Used to Learn About Product Safety
   2. Top Three Trusted Information Sources
5. Familiarity with Health and Safety Laws and Information
   1. Familiarity with Relevant Canadian Laws
   2. Trust in Canadian Safety Laws
6. Product Safety Issues and Reporting
   1. Experience with Safety Issues by Device Type
   2. Familiarity With and Use of Health Canada Online Reporting System
7. Respondent Profile
8. Detailed Methodology
   1. Sample Design
   2. Pre-test
   3. Fieldwork and Length of Survey
   4. Incidence, Response and Completion Rates
   5. Study Limitations
      1. Online Methodology
      2. Composition of the Final Sample
      3. The Target Audience
9. Appendix: Survey

I. Executive Summary

A. Background and Objectives

Technological advances have led to an increase in the number and type of radiation emitting devices with applications across all sectors. A global marketplace, with e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales, has resulted in a growing number of radiation emitting devices becoming more readily available to consumers and industry in Canada.

The emergence of these new radiation emitting technologies (e.g., 5G networks) has led to increased requests for information on human exposures, potential health risks, and regulatory oversight and guidance. It has also increased the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation regarding the health risks posed by these technologies.

Radiation emitting devices include any devices that emit radiation in the form of X-rays, ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light, infrared (IR), and radiofrequency (RF) waves or acoustical waves (audible sound, infrasound, ultrasound). Radiation emitting devices have a wide range of applications, including:

• Consumer products (e.g. microwaves, laser pointers, cell phones, lighting products, noisy toys, power tools)
• Medical devices (e.g. CT scanners, X-ray imaging, ultrasound, MRI)
• Pest management products (e.g. UV sterilizers, lasers, sound cannons, ultrasound)
• Industrial, commercial, security, and research devices (e.g. cell phone towers, wind turbines, full body security scanners, analytical X-ray devices)

The health effects from exposure to radiation depend on the type of radiation, intensity of radiation, duration of exposure, and where on the body a person is exposed.

For the purpose of this study, radiation emitting devices do not include devices that emit nuclear radiation or devices that contain radioactive materials.

The primary objective of this research study is to establish baseline data on Canadians' attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and expectations about the radiation risks from exposure to radiation emitting devices. This information helps inform the development and implementation of effective knowledge mobilization plans and activities that can be adapted to specific target audiences.

Specifically, the survey was designed to:

• Understand how and when Canadians use radiation emitting devices;
• Explore Canadians' perceived risks related to exposure to radiation emitting devices, including which devices concern them the most;
• Evaluate Canadians' knowledge on the topic of radiation emitting devices and understand where gaps exist;
• Identify how and where Canadians would like to receive information on radiation emitting devices, including which sources they trust most; and
• Find out what level of knowledge Canadians have regarding the federal legislation that applies to radiation emitting devices, including the Radiation Emitting Devices Act.

Insights from this study, along with other related information gathered by Health Canada, will inform the Department in areas related to:

• Protecting the health and safety of Canadians;
• Providing accurate information to intermediaries and stakeholders which can be incorporated into policy, practice and programs at the community level; and
• Offering information to Canadians which will help enhance their understanding of risks and inform their decisions on how they use radiation emitting devices and their level of exposure.

B. Methodology

This research was undertaken between February 3^rd and 14^th, 2022 among 5,000 Canadians, aged 16 and older. Respondents were profiled, selected, and screened through the use of a nationally representative online panel. Due to the opt-in nature of online polls, a margin of error cannot be calculated. As such, conclusions from these results are not generalizable to the population of Canadians, aged 16 and older. However, the robust sample sizes achieved for each age cohort, across genders and by region do permit sub-level analysis which yields valid and useful insights on key demographic and regional variations.

The survey employed a non-probability sampling procedure utilizing quota sampling. In order to obtain a final sample which was nationally representative, interlocking quotas for region, gender, and age were established as part of the sample design, based on the latest Statistics Canada Census data. This means that a target size for each combination of variables was defined at the outset of the project (e.g., young men, young women, older men, and older women in each province or region). The target quotas for each of these cells were closely monitored throughout the survey period. Due to simultaneous completions and the relatively short duration in field, some cells were not filled while others had too many completions. As such, a series of light weights were applied, again interlocking the three variables noted above (region, gender and age), to make final corrections to the data and ensure the final sample reflected the original distribution according to Census data. The weighting scheme is provided in Section IX – Detailed Methodology.

More information about the respondents to this survey, in terms of standard demographics such as gender, age, educational attainment, household income, employment status and type of work, ethnicity, language, region or province, and community size can be found in Section IX - Respondent Profile.

The tables shown throughout this report include both the totals for each question, as well as break-outs by gender and age:

• Gender: Male or female (for reporting purposes, the terms "male" and "female" refer to participants' gender identity, unless otherwise noted). As the 'other' category contained very few respondents (<1%, n=14), this data is not shown in the tables; and
• Age: 16-34, 35-54, and 55 or over. The data tables include a further break-out for those 16-17, 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and 65 or older. As relevant, the more precise age breaks are referred to in the analysis where statistically significant differences were evident and provide additional insight into age-related variations.

Other statistically significant regional and demographic variations are also described in the narrative, as relevant. The pertinent data can be found in the data tables which accompany this report.

Conducting the survey online was deemed to be the most appropriate approach for a range of reasons, including:

• The large sample size (n=5,000);
• A desire to include a component of Canadians aged 16 and 17 within the sample;
• The somewhat technical nature of the topic which would not lend itself particularly well to a telephone survey; and
• The need to include detailed explanations and descriptions within the survey to enhance clarity and respondent understanding, as well as to avoid any misinterpretation, which could then adversely affect the validity of the data.

Online surveys also provide respondents with more time to consider their responses, which improves the integrity of the data. The average length of this survey was 15 minutes, although some respondents completed the survey in less/more time, depending on their use of radiation emitting devices and their perspective on the issues explored.

All sub-group differences noted in the report are considered significant based on T-Test for Means and Z-Test for percentages.

More information about the survey methodology can be found in Section VIII – Detailed Methodology.

C. Key Findings

Respondents to the survey were shown a list of 12 radiation emitting devices and asked whether or not they had used them in the last 12 months. The proportion of those who reported having used each device varied quite widely, depending on the device. For example, very few (2%) reported having used a tanning bed in the past year, while many (86%) have used wireless communications products such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cell phones within this timeframe (Table 1 in the Detailed Report).

Although usage of these devices was largely dependent on age, and to some extent socio-economic status (educational attainment, household income, and employment status), a relatively high proportion of the population reported having frequently used a variety of products. Daily use, among those who reported using the device within the past year (Table 2), was highest for:

• Wireless communications products (89%);
• 5G enabled products (87%);
• LED light bulbs (81%);
• Wearable technologies (76%); and
• Microwave ovens (58%).

Frequent usage (meaning use on either a daily or weekly basis) of other devices was also high. Of those who reported having used headphones or ear buds in the past 12 months (61% of respondents), many reported using them frequently (40% daily; 42% weekly). This is also the case for UV disinfection products (33% daily; 33% weekly), and noisy products (11% daily; 47% weekly), although very few respondents reported using these types of devices in the last year (9% and 11%, respectively).

A small proportion reported using tanning beds (2%), head mounted displays (6%), or handheld or other portable laser devices (11%) within the last year. Of these, one-third or more reported using them on a frequent basis – tanning beds (4% daily; 42% weekly), head mounted displays (8% daily; 29% weekly) and handheld or other portable lasers (10% daily; 25% weekly).

For those who have used a cell phone or smart phone within the past 12 months, talking in 'hands-free' mode or using headphones was not reported as a common practice (Table 4). Most reported holding the cell phone to text or to use apps (54% all of the time; 29% most of the time) and directly to their ear when talking (20% all of the time; 31% most of the time). Fewer respondents reported talking on 'hands-free' mode on a frequent basis (9% all of the time; 25% most of the time) or using headphones to talk, listen to music or podcasts, or to watch videos/play games (15% all of the time; 19% most of the time).

Among the few respondents (11%) who had used noisy products in the last year, defined as products which are so loud that you need to shout to communicate with someone next to you, use of hearing protection devices such as ear muffs and ear plugs was not particularly common (Table 5). About one-third of those who have used noisy products in the past 12 months reported using hearing protection either all of the time (12%) or most of the time (23%).

Overall, most survey respondents were not particularly concerned about daily or regular use of products discussed in the survey that emit various forms of radiation (Table 6) – two-thirds were either 'not too concerned' (42%) or 'not concerned at all' (24%).

When asked, however, to rate the level of harm associated with each of the 12 different types of products examined in this survey (Table 9), a majority of respondents rated two as 'extremely/very harmful' to health – tanning beds and noisy products (59% for each device). Most also indicated they would be 'very/somewhat concerned' about their own personal health and safety (Table 11) if using a tanning bed (74%) or noisy products (70%). The level of concern related to the use of all other product was considerably lower by comparison (ranging from 15% for LED light bulbs to 36% for the whole-body scanners used at airport security).

Many were uncertain regarding what forms of radiation are associated with each of the devices tested – those who indicated they 'don't know' ranged from about one-quarter (23%) for microwave ovens to two-thirds (65%) for virtual reality goggles (Table 7). Notably, among those devices that are used more frequently, large proportions were uncertain as to what types of radiation are emitted by each, including: LED light bulbs (46% responded 'don't know'), Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices (47%), computer monitors (46%), and cell phones (41%). Many were also unsure of the type of radiation emitted from smart watches (58%), although these were used with less regularity over the last 12 months, compared to the other products or devices. In addition, about half of the respondents acknowledged being unfamiliar with the type of radiation emitted from standard diagnostic or medical procedures, including CT scanners (52%) and MRIs (47%).

Respondents were generally aware of key facts and myths associated with the various devices, based on their responses to a series of statements which they were asked to evaluate as either true or false (Table 8):

• Medical doctors can reverse hearing damage caused by exposure to loud noises (89% correctly believed this to be false).
• Getting a base tan using a tanning bed does not protect against skin cancer from future exposure (82% correctly claimed this was true).
• Laser pointers are safe if the spot of light they make on a wall is not very bright (75% responded correctly that this is false).
• There is no convincing scientific evidence to date proving a link between cell phone use and cancer (62% correctly believed this to be true).
• The amount of radiation from an X-ray of the wrist is the same as for a chest X-ray (53% incorrectly reported this is true).
• You should receive an X-ray at least once every two years when visiting the dentist whether or not there is a dental concern (50% correctly believed this to be false).
• With respect to UV disinfecting products, just one in five (20%) incorrectly believe they are effective at killing 100% of germs.

Respondents reported learning about product safety from a wide range of sources (Table 14), including Google-based online searches (39%), various news sources (29%), health care providers (28%), the Health Canada website (26%) and manufacturers' websites (25%). Internet messaging platforms and social media were less commonly referenced for this purpose (anywhere from 1% to 7% of respondents cited these as sources).

Official sources, responsible for public health and safety or with scientific expertise, were among the most trusted (Table 15). Asked to identify their three most trusted sources, respondents selected the Health Canada website (42%), scientists (30%), and health care providers (29%). The Government of Canada website followed these at 28%. Findings also suggest that Canadian sources were seen as far more trustworthy relative to U.S. or international sources (e.g., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO)).

There were modest to low levels of awareness of the laws in place to protect the health and safety of Canadians (Table 16). Awareness of the Food and Drugs Act (49%) and the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (39%) was higher relative to familiarity with other legislation such as the Pest Control Products Act (21%), the Radiocommunication Act (20%), and the Radiation Emitting Devices Act (15%).

Overwhelmingly, most respondents (90%) expected the federal government to continue to protect Canadians from radiation risk from products available in Canada (Table 18). Most were confident that the Government of Canada is effectively carrying out this function. A majority were of the view that the laws regulating radiation emitting devices in Canada are adequate (73%) and that the Government of Canada provides sufficient information on the safety of radiation emitting devices (60%).

Many believed the radiation emitting devices available to Canadians are safe (70%), although there was more doubt about products purchased online versus in-store. While almost half (47%) said they 'fully trust' that products purchased in-store or in-person meet Canadian safety laws, this number dropped to one-quarter (23%) for those purchasing products online (Table 17).

About one in five of those surveyed (21%, or n=1072 respondents) reported experiencing a safety issue with any of the devices discussed in the survey (Table 19). About equal numbers said they had:

• Encountered a defective product (6%);
• An issue with product labelling or instruction (4%); or
• Experienced an injury (4%).

Four device types appear to be linked to a higher number of the issues reported by respondents, including noisy, loud products (28%), tanning beds (28%), head mounted displays such as virtual reality goggles/smart glasses (22%) and UV disinfection products (19%).

Some respondents (16%) were aware of Health Canada's online reporting system (Table 20), which allows Canadians to report problems related to a product such as injury, death, product defects, or labelling concerns. Very few respondents (2% overall) recall having used it (Table 21).

D. Conclusions

The use of radiation emitting devices by respondents within the last 12 months varied markedly depending on the type of device and age group. Wireless communications products, headphones or ear buds, and microwave ovens were used with a high degree of regularity.

In general, respondents expressed low to modest levels of concern about the regular use of these types of products and devices. While most were generally knowledgeable of select facts and myths associated with the use of certain radiation emitting devices, many acknowledged there was a lot they did not know about these products. In particular, many were unaware of the types of radiation emitted by these products.

Most believed that information related to product safety tends to be readily available and adequate. The results, however, also suggest that there are opportunities to raise levels of public awareness in regards to:

• The risks associated with radiation emitting products and devices;
• Safety tips and best practices for their use,
• The current regulatory framework to protect the health and safety of Canadians; and
• The Health Canada online reporting system for those who do experience an issue with these types of products.

Note to Reader

The results reported herein reflect the behaviours, attitudes, and perceptions of a sample of Canadians with respect to radiation emitting devices. Unless otherwise noted, results shown in this report are expressed as percentages and may not add up to 100% due to rounding and/or multiple responses to a given question.

MORE INFORMATION

Supplier Name: The Strategic Counsel
Contract Number: HT372-214992/001/CY
Contract Award Date: January 7, 2022
Contract Budget: $100,033.25

To obtain more information on this study, please e-mail HC.cpab.por-rop.dgcap.SC@canada.ca

Statement of Political Neutrality

I hereby certify as a Senior Officer of The Strategic Counsel that the deliverables fully comply with the Government of Canada political neutrality requirements outlined in the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada and Procedures for Planning and Contracting Public Opinion Research. Specifically, the deliverables do not include information on electoral voting intentions, political party preferences, standings with the electorate or ratings of the performance of a political party or its leaders.

Signed:

II. Use of Radiation Emitting Devices

A. Use within the Last 12 Months, by Device Type

Respondents to the survey were presented with a list of various radiation emitting devices and asked which ones they have used within the last 12 months. The results indicate that use varies considerably across types of radiation emitting devices and among sub-groups of the population.

Of the 12 devices listed, four were cited as having been used in the last 12 months by a majority of respondents:

• Wireless communications products such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cell phones (86%);
• A microwave oven (85%);
• LED light bulbs (64%); and
• Headphones or ear buds connected to a cell phone, radio, television, tablet, or MP3 player (61%).

The extent to which respondents reported having used the remaining devices within the last year falls off dramatically. Two of the devices have been used by about one-third of respondents:

• Wearable technology (34%); and
• 5G enabled products, such as 5G enabled smartphones (31%).

The remainder had limited reported usage in the previous 12 months:

• Whole body airport scanners (16%) – note that this percentage may under-represent the typical usage patterns within an average year given that the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying travel restrictions implemented by the federal government have suppressed domestic and international travel, particularly for non-essential purposes;
• Noisy products, that are loud enough to require the user to shout to communicate with someone next to them (11%);
• Handheld or other portable laser products, such as laser pointers, levelling, and distance measurement products (11%);
• Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection products such as an air purifier or UV sanitizer (9%);
• Head mounted goggles, such as virtual reality (VR) goggles or smart glasses (6%); and
• Tanning beds (2%).

Q6. Please indicate whether you have used each of the following radiation emitting devices within the last 12 months. Check all that apply. Base: Total sample

Across demographic groups, there were no major gender differences. However, there were significant differences by age, household income, education, and employment status:

• Those 16 to 34 years of age were much more likely to cite usage of headphones (75%), wearable technology (41%), and 5G enabled products (41%), while reporting less usage of microwave ovens (75%) and LED light bulbs (54%) than older respondents.
• By contrast, those aged 55 years or older were more likely to cite usage of microwave ovens (92%) and LED light bulbs (72%) within the last 12 months, and less likely to have mentioned usage of headphones (47%), wearable technology (27%) and 5G enabled technology (20%).
• Differences in usage by education and household income generally inferred that as education and household income increase so does reported usage within the last year of most devices. Similarly, those who were employed, either full-time or part-time, reported greater use of the various devices than those who were not employed.

Regionally, residents in Quebec were generally less likely to report use of most of the devices over the previous 12 month period.

B. Frequency of Use within the Last 12 Months, by Device Type

Table 2 presents the reported frequency of use of each type of device among those respondents who have used the device within the last 12 months (see Table 1 above). For reference, the base sample is shown as the first column.

There are a few notable observations:

• Reported daily usage (e.g., at least once a day or several times daily) was highest for wireless communications products (89%), 5G enabled products (87%), and LED light bulbs (81%). Three-quarters (76%) of those having used the device within the last 12 months said they use wearable technology on a daily basis, while just over half reported using microwave ovens on a daily basis (58%).
• Devices which were reported as being used regularly, if not frequently (g., on a monthly or weekly basis, but not daily), include noisy products (75%), tanning beds (71%), handheld or other portable laser products (57%), headphones or earbuds (55%), UV disinfection products (54%), and head mounted displays (53%).
• Reported frequency of usage of whole body scanners was limited to use yearly or several times a year, but not monthly by the vast majority (84%) of those having used this device over the last year.

Q7. Thinking back over the past 12 months, about how often have you used each of these products, on average? Base: Those who indicated using each device at Q6. Base sizes vary and are shown in the first column.

It is useful to examine the proportion of respondents who reported using each device on either a daily or weekly basis, as this reflects fairly frequent use of the device. Table 3 shows these results, which are based only on those who indicated having used the device within the last 12 months. Frequent usage (e.g., those reporting daily or weekly use) is highest for wireless communication (98%), microwave ovens (96%), 5G enabled products (96%), LED light bulbs (94%), and wearable technology (92%). A high proportion used headphones/ear buds with similar frequency (82%). Two-thirds (66%) of the 9% of those who reported using UV disinfection products used them on a daily or weekly basis as did over half (57%) of the 11% of respondents who used noisy products. While very few reported using tanning beds within the last 12 months (2%, or n=96 respondents), those who did indicated using them on a weekly (42%) or daily (4%) basis. About one-third or slightly more used head mounted displays (37%) or handheld or other portable laser products (34%) on at least a weekly basis. A very small fraction of respondents (6%) used whole-body scanners on a weekly basis or more often.

Q7. Thinking back over the past 12 months, about how often have you used each of these products, on average? Base: Those who indicated using at least one device at Q6 – Base sizes vary

Demographically, few differences were apparent by gender or age. The exceptions were as follows:

• Men (43%) were more likely to report having used head mounted displays on a daily/weekly basis, relative to women (28%); and
• Those 16 to 34 years of age (90%) were more likely to report regular use of headphones or ear buds, compared to those 55 years of age and above (72%).

C. Nature and Frequency of Cell Phone Usage

Respondents who had used wireless communications devices or 5G enabled devices in the last year (88%, or 4404 respondents) were asked about their cell phone usage patterns (Table 4). Common behaviours included holding the phone to text or use apps (54% all of the time; 29% most of the time) and holding the phone directly to the ear (20% all of the time; 31% most of the time). About one-third (34%) of those having used a cell phone within the last 12 months used the "hands-free" mode all (9%) or most (25%) of the time. A similar proportion (34%) used headphones for a variety of activities, including listening to music, playing games, or watching TV all (15%) or most (19%) of the time, while slightly more (38%) said they rarely or never do this.

Q10. How often, if at all, do you use your cell phone in the following ways? Base: Those who have used a cell phone or 5G enabled smartphone in the last 12 months

Key demographic variations related to cell phone usage patterns were as follows:

• Men were more likely than women to say they have the phone to their ear all or most of the time (55% vs 48%, respectively) and to use headphones/ear buds all or most of the time (39% to 29%);
• By age, those 16 to 34 years of age were more likely than those aged 55 or older to text or use apps all or most of the time (90% vs. 74%, respectively) and to use headphones/ear buds (58% vs. 16%) all or most of the time. Those aged 35 to 54 years were situated between these two age groups in terms of their usage patterns.

D. Use of Hearing Protection

Among those who reported using loud, noisy products at least once within the last year (11%, or n=528 respondents), about one-third (34%) reported making use of hearing protection either all (12%) or most (23%) of the time (Table 5).

Q11. When you use noisy products, how often, if at all, do you use hearing protection? Noisy products would be things that, when you are using them, you need to shout to communicate with someone next to you, such as power tools. Base: Those who have used 'noisy products' (Q6) in the last 12 months.

There were a number of variations by gender, age and education regarding reported use of hearing protection devices. Those more likely to report having used hearing protection all or most of the time include:

• Men (42%), compared to women (22%);
• Respondents with a college education (41%), compared to those with a high school level of education (28%) and those with a university education (32%) (data not shown); and
• Older and younger respondents (37% respectively among those aged 55 and older and those 16 to 34 years of age), compared to respondents aged 35 to 54 (29%).

III. Perception of Risk Associated with Radiation Emitting Devices

All respondents, regardless of whether they had used the various types of devices within the last year, were asked a series of questions to gauge their concerns about various radiation emitting devices. They were also asked about the degree of risk they associated with each device under normal or regular use.

A. Concern about Daily/Regular Usage

As shown in Table 6, most respondents (66%) were not concerned about daily or regular use of products that emit various forms of radiation (24% were not concerned at all, 42% were not too concerned). Just under one-third (31%) expressed some concern about daily or regular usage of radiation emitting devices, although relatively few (6%) were very concerned.

Q8. In general, how concerned are you about daily or regular usage of products like these that emit various forms of radiation? Are you …. Base: Total sample

Across demographic groups:

• Respondents younger than 55 years of age were more likely than those 55 or older to be very or somewhat concerned about daily or regular usage of radiation emitting devices (33% versus 27%).
• Those working full-time or part-time were more likely than those not working to say they were very or somewhat concerned (34% versus 25%) (data not shown).

By region, respondents living in B.C. (36%) or Ontario (34%) were more likely than those living in Alberta (27%), Quebec (26%), or the Atlantic provinces (26%) to be concerned (data not shown).

B. Understanding of Radiation Emitted by Device Type

Respondents were asked to indicate what type of radiation they believed is emitted from 14 different types of devices (Table 7). The proportion who responded 'don't know' was relatively high across all devices and in many cases was the most common response (ranging from a low of 23% who did not know the type of radiation emitted by microwave ovens, to a high of 65% who did not know what types of radiation are associated with virtual reality goggles).

Q9. Each of these products emits a certain type of radiation. For each one, please indicate the type(s) of radiation you believe is/are associated with it. Select all that apply to each product. Base: Total sample

Across demographic groups:

• Women were generally more likely than men to say they did not know the type(s) of radiation associated with each of the 14 devices.
• People aged 35 or older were more likely than those 16 to 34 years of age to indicate they did not know the type(s) of radiation emitted by most devices. There were no notable differences by age related to perceptions of dental X-rays, CT scanners, and microwave ovens.

C. General Perceptions of Risk

As a means of further assessing awareness of risks associated with radiation emitting devices and exposure to loud noises, respondents were presented with seven statements and asked to indicate whether each was true or false. The results are shown in Table 8 and the correct response (true or false) is included at the end of each statement.

Most had an accurate understanding of whether a statement was true or false:

• Medical doctors can reverse hearing damage caused by loud noise exposure (89% correctly claimed this statement was false);
• Using a tanning bed to get a base tan does not protect against skin cancer from future sun exposure (82% correctly indicated this to be a true statement);
• All UV disinfecting products are effective at killing 100% of germs and viruses (80% correctly said this was false);
• You know a laser pointer is safe if the spot of light it makes on a wall is not very bright (75% correctly said this was false);
• Science has not proven that cell phone use causes cancer (62% correctly said this was true);
• You get the same amount of radiation from a wrist X-ray as from a chest X-ray (47% incorrectly claimed this was true); and
• People should receive dental X-rays at 2-year intervals, whether or not there is a dental health concern (50% incorrectly said this was true).

Q12. Please indicate whether you believe each of the following statements are true or false. Base: Total sample

Findings on this question varied by the age of the respondent:

• Older adults (55+) were more likely than others to correctly respond that use of a tanning bed does not protect against skin cancer (85% versus 81% of 35 to 54 year olds and 79% of those under 35). Older adults (55+) were also more likely to correctly respond that science has not proven that cell phone use causes cancer (67%, versus 61% of 35 to 54 year olds and 58% of those under 35).
• Conversely, younger adults were more likely to incorrectly respond that hearing damage is reversible (18% of those under 35, compared to 11% of 35 to 54 year olds and 5% of those 55 and older). They were also more likely to incorrectly respond that a laser pointer is safe if the spot it makes is not very bright (31% of those under 35, compared to 26% of 35 to 54 year olds and 19% of those 55 or over).

While there were relatively few differences in assessments by educational attainment, respondents with a university degree (43%) were less likely than those with either a high school (54%) or college diploma (49%) to incorrectly respond that people get the same amount of radiation from wrist and chest X-rays.

D. Perceived Level of Harm, by Device Type

Asked to rate the level of harm they believed to be associated with 12 different types of products, more than one-half of respondents rated two of the 12 products as 'extremely' or 'very harmful' to health: tanning beds (59%) and noisy products that require shouting to communicate over (59%). The other 10 products were much less likely to be viewed as highly harmful, as shown in Table 9.

Q13. For each of the following, please indicate the extent to which you believe this product could be harmful to your health with regular/average use. Base: Total sample

Notably, when the proportion that rated each product as at least 'moderately harmful' is taken into consideration, perceptions of risk were notably higher (Table 10). At least two in five or more rated 10 of the 12 products as moderately harmful or worse. The exceptions were wearable technology and LED light bulbs.

Q13. For each of the following, please indicate the extent to which you believe this product could be harmful to your health with regular/average use. Base: Total sample

Across demographic groups:

• Women were generally more likely than men to rate a number of products as at least moderately harmful, including: tanning beds, head mounted displays, 5G enabled products, headphones or ear buds, microwave ovens, wireless communication products, and wearable technology.
• Older adults (55+) were less likely than younger respondents to rate most products as at least moderately harmful, the exceptions being tanning beds and noisy products which they were more likely to rate as harmful compared to those under age 55.

By region (data not shown):

• Residents of Quebec were more likely than those in other provinces to rate several products as at least moderately harmful, including: handheld or other portable laser products (57%), UV disinfection products (56%), and 5G enabled products (51%).

E. Level of Concern Regarding Personal Health and Safety by Device Type

Respondents were also asked about their level of concern for their own personal health and safety if or when using each of the 12 different devices (Table 11). Most were 'very' or 'somewhat concerned' about tanning beds (74%) and noisy products (70%).

There was far less concern about the other 10 products, although about one-third or more of respondents expressed at least some concern regarding the use of airport body scanners (36%), head mounted displays (31%), 5G enabled products (31%) and UV disinfection products (30%).

Q14. In general, how concerned are you about your personal health and safety if or when using each of the following products? Base: Total sample

As noted above, tanning beds and noisy products stand out as those which generated the highest levels of concern in terms of personal health and safety (Table 12). Two in five respondents (41%) were 'very concerned' about tanning beds, while just under one-third (31%) said the same about noisy products.

Q14. In general, how concerned are you about your personal health and safety if or when using each of the following products? Base: Total sample

Across demographic groups:

• Women were more likely than men to express at least some concern about many of the products, especially tanning beds (77% versus 70%).
• Older adults (55+) were more likely than their younger peers to express at least some concern about tanning beds, noisy products, and head mounted displays. Conversely, those under age 55 were more likely than those older than 55 to express concern about microwave ovens and wireless communication products.

By region (data not shown):

• Levels of concern about 5G enabled products were higher among residents of Ontario (33% were very/somewhat concerned) and those in B.C. (33% were very/somewhat concerned) relative to respondents living in other regions. The same pattern also exists for wireless communication products (Ontario – 27% are very/somewhat concerned; B.C./North – 28% are very/somewhat concerned).

F. Device Types of Most Concern

Respondents provided additional information regarding which product(s) concerned them the most (Table 13). Responses to this open-ended question are shown below and, in some cases, include an explanation regarding the reason for their concern. Among respondents, tanning beds were identified most frequently as the product of greatest concern. All other products were mentioned with far less frequency.

When asked to explain what they were most concerned about in regards to tanning beds, a range of issues were mentioned::

• 22% mentioned tanning beds as being a health risk and harmful, specifically with respect to skin damage and cancer or that they emit UV rays; and
• A small percentage (5%) mentioned being concerned about tanning beds more generally.

Q15. In one or two sentences, please indicate which one of these products concerns you the most and why? Base: Total sample

IV. Sources of Information on Product Safety

The survey included a number of questions to ascertain how and where respondents get information about product safety and whom or what sources they trust the most.

A. Sources Used to Learn About Product Safety

Respondents indicated relying on a range of sources to learn about a product's safety (Table 14). The top mention was 'Google search' (39%), followed by news (29%), health care providers (28%), the Health Canada website (26%), and manufacturers' websites (25%).

About one in five mentioned the general Government of Canada website (22%), scientists (21%), friends and family (21%), customer reviews of products (19%), and organizations that specialize in consumer product testing and reports, such as Consumer Reports and Wirecutter (19%).

Fewer cited research publications (16%), non-government health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) (13%), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. (13%) and the top pages of a search engine result (11%).

Other sources were mentioned less frequently, by less than one-in-ten respondents. These included information at the point of sale as well as on various social media platforms.

Q16. Which of the following have you used to learn more about a product's safety? Check all that apply. Base: Total sample

Across demographic groups:

• Older respondents (55+) were more likely than those under age 55 to rely upon the news (37% versus 25%).

By region (data not shown):

• People living in the Atlantic region were more likely than those from other regions to utilize government sources for information, including the Health Canada website (34%) and the main Government of Canada website (29%).

B. Top Three Trusted Information Sources

Asked which three sources they trust most when it comes to providing information about product safety, the Health Canada website (42%) topped the list by a relatively wide margin (Table 15). Other sources selected by more than one-quarter included: scientists (30%), health care providers (29%), and the Government of Canada website (28%).

Q17. From the list below, please indicate which three you trust the most when it comes to providing information about product safety. Base: Total sample

Across demographic groups, those more likely to select the Health Canada website included:

• Women (44% versus 39% of men);
• Respondents 55+ (47%, versus 42% of 35 to 54 year olds and 34% of those aged 16-34); and
• Those with a university degree (45% versus 40% of college/trades graduates and 39% of those with a high school diploma or less) (data not shown).

V. Familiarity with Health and Safety Laws and Information

A. Familiarity with Relevant Canadian Laws

The Canadian Parliament has enacted a number of laws intended to protect the health and safety of Canadians, as referred to in Table 16. While almost half (49%) of respondents indicated knowing either 'a lot' or 'a little' about the Food and Drug Act, fewer were familiar with the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (39%), the Pest Control Products Act (21%), the Radiocommunication Act (20%), and the Radiation Emitting Devices Act (15%).

Q18. How familiar are you with each of the following laws that exist to protect the health and safety of Canadians? Base: Total sample

Familiarity with these laws varied across demographic groups. In general, men were more familiar with a number of the laws, as were older respondents (aged 55 and over), those who reported they were working, and those with higher levels of education.

Those who were more likely to express familiarity with the Food and Drug Act included:

• Women (50%) relative to men (47%);
• Older survey respondents, age 55 and over (55%), compared to those aged 35 to 54 (46%) and those aged 34 or younger (44%);
• Survey respondents with a university education (50%) versus those who have some or have completed a high school education (45%) (data not shown); and
• Anglophones (50%), compared to Francophones (45%) (data not shown).

Familiarity with the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act was higher among:

• Those aged 55 and older (43%); and
• People with a college degree or trades certification (42%) (data not shown).

Higher levels of familiarity with the Pest Control Products Act were indicated by:

• Older survey respondents, aged 55 and above (24%);
• Those with a college degree or trades certification (22%), compared to those who are university educated (19%) (data not shown); and
• Anglophones (22%), compared to Francophones (16%) (data not shown).

Those who were more familiar with the Radiocommunication Act included:

• Men (26%), compared to women (14%);
• Those who are working (21%), compared to those who are not (17%). In particular, those working in the farming or fishing sectors (38%) and general labourers (29%) are more familiar (data not shown);
• Francophones (28%), relative to Anglophones or those who speak a language other than English or French (17% among each of these two groups) (data not shown); and
• Residents of Quebec (28%) (data not shown).

Finally, familiarity with the Radiation Emitting Devices Act was higher among:

• Men (19%) relative to women (11%);
• Younger respondents between the ages of 16 and 34 (17%) as well as those aged 35 to 54 (16%), compared to those 55 and older (13%);
• Those who reported they were working (17%) versus those who are not (12%) (data not shown). In particular, those working as farmers or fishermen (55%), in the military (45%), business owners (26%), skilled tradespeople (24%) and general labourers (23%) exhibit higher levels of familiarity relative to those in other professions or vocations (data not shown);
• Francophones (17%) versus Anglophones (14%) (data not shown); and
• Residents of Quebec (17%) (data not shown).

B. Trust in Canadian Safety Laws

Survey respondents indicated a general level of trust that these products meet Canadian legal standards for safety (Table 17). This being said, higher levels of trust were associated with in-store purchases – almost half (47%) indicated they 'fully trust' the product meets Canadian laws for safety, while about the same number said they 'somewhat trust' that the product does (48%). Relatively few indicated they 'don't trust' that this is the case.

By contrast, survey respondents were somewhat more doubtful when purchasing products online. While fewer than one-quarter (23%) said they 'fully trust' that the product meets Canadian safety laws, most at least 'somewhat trust' that it does. Just under one in five (17%) did not trust that products sold online meet safety standards as required by Canadian law.

Q22. When you decide to purchase a product, to what extent do you trust that this product meets Canadian laws for safety? Base: Total sample

Demographic variations were as follows:

• Younger respondents, under the age of 35 (25%), specifically those aged 18 to 24 (27%) were more likely to say they fully trust that products meet Canadian laws for safety when they are purchased online. Trust levels were also higher among South Asians (33%) and Indigenous respondents (32%) (data not shown). This was also the case for Anglophones (25%) and those who speak a language other than English or French (25%), compared to Francophones (15%) (data not shown).
• Those with household incomes of $150,000 and over (52%) were more likely to say they fully trust products purchased in-store or in-person to meet Canadian safety laws (data not shown). This was also true for those not working (49%), compared to those who are (46%), and for Anglophones and those who speak a language other than one of Canada's two official languages (50% in each case), compared to Francophones (36%) (data not shown).

Regionally (data not shown_:

• Residents from Quebec (21%) were more likely to express distrust regarding products purchased online. These respondents were also more likely to indicate they only 'somewhat' trust that products purchase in-store or in-person meet safety laws in Canada (60%), compared to the average (48%).

Respondents generally reported placing a significant degree of trust in the Government of Canada when it comes to ensuring product safety and the safety of Canadians and were generally confident that the laws currently in place are effective in this regard (Table 18). Many expected the Government of Canada to continue to protect Canadians from the radiation risk from products available in Canada (90%) and believed that the laws currently regulating radiation emitting devices in Canada are adequate (73%), although as noted earlier few were aware of the relevant laws. A similar number (70%) were confident that any radiation emitting devices available to Canadians could be expected to be safe. Relatively few believed that the regulations governing the safety of products in Canada are too restrictive (23%).

When it comes to informing Canadians about the safety of radiation emitting devices, many respondents (60%) thought the Government of Canada typically provided sufficient information in this regard.

Q23. Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. Base: Total sample

Demographic variations on a number of these statements were evident:

• Younger respondents, between the ages of 16 and 34 (76%), were more likely to agree the laws currently regulating radiation emitting devices in Canada are adequate, compared to their older counterparts. This was also the case among those who speak a language other than English or French (90%), compared to Francophones (74%) and Anglophones (72%) (data not shown);
• Older respondents, aged 55 or above (95%) and women (92%), were more likely to expect the Government to protect Canadians from radiation risk. This was also true of Francophones (92%), relative to Anglophones (89%) (data not shown); and
• Men were more inclined to agree that the Government of Canada provides sufficient information about the safety of radiation emitting devices (62%) and that the relevant regulations were too restrictive (27%), compared to women (57% and 20%, respectively). Younger respondents, between the ages of 16 and 34 (31%) and those with a high school education (28%) (data not shown), were also more likely to view the current regulations as overly restrictive.

VI. Product Safety Issues and Reporting

A. Experience with Safety Issues by Device Type

Overall, most respondents (79%) have not experienced any safety issues with any of the device types discussed. Among those who did experience a safety issue with one or more of the devices (21%), it tended to be related to a defective product (6%), an issue with product labeling or instruction (4%), and/or an injury (4%).

Four device types appeared more likely to result in a safety issue, based on respondents' reporting of issues by device type (Table 19): noisy, loud products (28%), tanning beds (28%), head mounted displays such as virtual reality goggle/smart glasses (22%), and UV disinfection products (19%). In terms of suffering an injury resulting from device use, this was more likely to be experienced with noisy/loud products (17%), tanning beds (7%), or head mounted displays (5%).

A small percentage of respondents indicated they knew of someone who had died in association with the use of a product. This may be evidence of respondents misunderstanding the question and/or the response options. It could be that respondents knew someone who died while using a product, but their death was not directly caused by the product itself. Except in cases where tanning bed use was linked to skin cancer and subsequent death, radiation exposure levels from use of these devices is highly unlikely to cause death.

Q19. Please indicate which, if any, issues or problems you or someone in your household has experienced with each of the following products. Check all that apply. Base: Have used device in past 12 months. Base sizes vary.

B. Familiarity With and Use of Health Canada Online Reporting System

Over eight in ten respondents overall (84%) were unfamiliar with Health Canada's online reporting system, while 16% percent reported at least some familiarity (Table 20).

Q20. Are you familiar with Health Canada's online reporting system that allows you to report problems with a product? Problems include injury, death, product defects, or labeling concerns. Base: Total sample

Across demographic groups, a number indicated being more familiar with the Health Canada reporting system:

• African/West Indian (28%), South Asian (28%), and Indigenous (27%) respondents (data not shown);
• Those who had experienced a problem with one or more of the device types (26%), compared to those who had not had any issues (13%) (data not shown);
• Men (18%), as compared to women (14%);
• Those aged 18 to 24 (21%);
• Respondents who reported an annual household income between $80 and$100k (18%) (data not shown);
• Respondents who reported they were working (17%) (data not shown); and
• Anglophones (17%) (data not shown).

Most respondents (80%), regardless of whether or not they had experienced an issue with one or more of the devices discussed in the survey, had never reported a problem with any product (Table 21). Among those who had reported a problem, very few used Health Canada's online reporting system (2%). Comparatively, more respondents had reported a problem to a manufacturer (11%) and/or to the retailer (10%).

Q21. Have you ever reported a problem with a product to Health Canada? A report of a problem can include a phone call, e-mail, letter or official report through Health Canada's online reporting system. Base: Total sample

Those more likely to say they have never reported any product issues included:

• Respondents who indicated they had not experienced an issue or problem with any of the devices discussed (87%) (data not shown);
• Respondents who indicated they were not working (84%) or retired (83%) (data not shown);
• Women (83%);
• Those aged 55 or older (83%); and
• Respondents making less than $20,000 (83%) annually (data not shown).

The groups which were more likely to indicate having used Health Canada's online system included:

• Respondents of African/West Indian (9%), Middle Eastern (5%), and South Asian (4%) ethnicity (data not shown); and
• Those who had experienced an issue or problem with one or more of the devices (5%) versus those who had not (1%) (data not shown).

Groups more likely to have reported a problem to a retailer included:

• Respondents who experienced a problem or issue with a device (22%), compared to those who had not (7%) (data not shown);
• Those who identified as being of African/West Indian (16%) or South Asian (15%) ethnicity (data not shown);
• Men (13%);
• Those between 16 and 34 years of age (11%);
• University educated respondents (11%) (data not shown);
• Those working full-time (11%) (data not shown); and
• English-speakers (11%) (data not shown).

Those more inclined to have reported a product problem to the manufacturer included:

• Respondents who experienced a problem or issue with a device (26%), compared to those who had not (7%) (data not shown);
• Middle Eastern (22%), African/West Indian (20%), South Asian (22%), Southeast Asian (16%), and Indigenous (16%) respondents (data not shown);
• Men (13%);
• Those between 16 and 34 years of age (12%) as well as those aged 35 to 54 (12%);
• Working men and women (12%) (data not shown); and
• English speakers (12%) (data not shown).

VII. Respondent Profile

The information below offers a snapshot of the Canadian general public, aged 16 and older, who participated in the survey. Interlocking quotas were set by region, gender, and age. As such, the distribution of the final sample by region, gender, and age generally conforms to Canadian Census data which is the basis on which these quotas were initially determined.

Residents from Ontario (38%) and Quebec (23%) comprised over half the final sample, while those from Western Canada made up about one-third (32% of all respondents and those residing in the Atlantic Provinces reflect under one in ten of the final sample (7%).

Q4. In which province or territory do you currently reside? Base: Total sample

The vast majority of Canadians reside in urban, census metropolitan areas (CMAs) across the country. Statistics Canada data recorded that, as of July 1, 2021, over seven-in-ten (71.8%) Canadians were living in one of the thirty-five CMAs, which has been a consistent finding for many years.^[1]

Accordingly, almost six-in-ten respondents (59%) indicated that they reside in a mid-size or major center: 27% in communities with a population of 1,000,000 or more, 13% in communities of 500,000 to just under one million, and 19% in communities with 100,000 to just under 500,000 residents. Just over one-third (34%) live in smaller centers – 19% in communities with between 10,000 and 99,999 residents and 15% live in towns with fewer than 10,000 residents.

Q29. What is the size of the community in which you currently live? Base: Total sample

There were a few notable demographic differences:

• Female respondents were slightly overrepresented in communities of less than 10,000 people (17% vs 12%). Conversely, men were overrepresented in centres of over 1 million people (30% versus 23%); and
• Those over the age of 55 were most likely to live in centres comprised of fewer than 10,000 people (18%) and in centres between 10,000 and 100,000 people (22%) compared to those in other age categories.

Approximately one-in-ten (8%) respondents did not provide a response to this question, either because they were unsure how to classify their community by its population size or they preferred not to answer this question.

• Women (11%) more often than men (4%) did not respond to this question; and
• This was also true among younger respondents (12% among those under age 35) compared to their older peers (5% among respondents aged 55 or over).

Nearly half (47%) of respondents reported residing in an urban area and more than one-third (36%) said they live in a suburban community. Relatively few (15%) respondents were from rural or remote (1%) areas of Canada.

Q30. How would you best describe the area in which you reside? Is it … Base: Total sample

There were a few demographic differences of note:

• Men were more likely to report living in urban communities (50% compared to 43% of women). Women, on the other hand, were more like than men to say they reside in a rural community (18% vs 12%); and
• Those over the age of 55 were more likely to say they live in a rural community (19%) than those under the age of 35 (12%).

The final sample comprised an approximately even split of male (49%) and female (51%) respondents as per the quotas that were set which aimed for a 50/50 gender split, overall. This is a standard practice in Government of Canada public opinion research studies sampling the general population, unless the topic or issue being studied necessitates that a different approach be taken.

Q1. What is your gender? Base: Total sample

This gender split was maintained across age groups, a result of interlocking quotas which were applied.

Quotas were set to ensure that the final sample generally reflected the age distribution of the Canadian population, 16 years of age and older. More than one-quarter (29%) of the final sample was under age 35 (1% were under 18, 12% between the ages of 18 and 24 and 16% between 25 and 34 years of age). One-third (33%) were between the ages of 35 and 54 (16% aged 35-44; 17% aged 45-54). Seniors, aged 55 and older comprised almost two in five of the final sample (38%), with about half of these being between the ages of 55 to 64 (17%) and the other half aged 65 years or older (21%).

Q2. In what year were you born? Base: Total sample

The proportion of men and women within each of the age cohorts was roughly equal, and is reflective of the application of interlocking quotas by age and gender in the sample design.

With respect to respondents' highest level of educational attainment, almost half (47%) reported having some education at the university level (a university certificate or diploma (7%), a bachelor's degree (31%) or a post graduate degree (16%)), while just under a third (32%) had some training at the college level, CEGEP, or a non-university certificate or diploma. A very small proportion (5%) reported having completed a registered apprenticeship or other trades certificate/diploma. One-fifth of respondents (20%) indicated having some high school education or less (3%), or having graduated with a high school diploma or equivalent (17%).

Q24. What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed? Base: Total sample

Those who reported having a high school education or less as their highest level of educational attainment were more likely to be under the age of 35 (26%) or aged 55 or older (22%).

By contrast, those with university or higher education were more likely to be aged 35 to 54 (54%), compared to those aged 55 and older (41%) or those aged 18 to 24 (46%).

The final sample for this study comprised a cross-section of respondents by household income with roughly similar proportions having indicated an annual household income of under $80,000 (41%) as reported an income of $80,000 or higher (46%). Just over one in ten (13%) declined to respond to this question.

Q25. Which of the following categories best describes your total household income last year, before taxes, from all sources for all household members? Base: Total sample

Those sub-groups who reported an annual household income of $150,000 or more were more likely to be:

• Men (17% vs 12% women); and
• 35 to 54 years of age (22%).

According to Statistics Canada, close to 20 million Canadians are of European descent.^[2] As such, it is not unexpected that over half (55%) of respondents reported being of western or eastern European ethnicity. One in ten (10%) reported being of East Asian descent, while nearly one in five (19%) reported being of other ethno-cultural backgrounds.

Q26. Which of the following ethnicity(ies) do you identify as? Select all that apply. Base: Total sample

While gender and age were generally consistent across ethnic groups, those reporting European ethnicity tended to be over the age of 55 (62%).

Almost half (46%) of respondents reported working full-time, while one-quarter (25%) were retired. Nearly one in ten were employed part-time, self-employed, or attending school full-time (7% in each group).

Q27. Which of the following best describes your current employment status? Base: Total sample

A greater share of men indicated they worked full-time, compared to women (51% vs 42%).
The age distribution based on employment status also varied widely:

• Those aged 35-54 were most likely to be working full time (73%);
• Those over the age of 55 tended to be retired (64%); and
• One-quarter of those under the age of 35 were full-time students (25%).

A diversity of types of work were reported by respondents who indicated they were working. Just over one in five identified themselves as professionals, while just over one in ten described the type of work they do as service or clerical work (13%), or middle management (11%).

Q28. What type of work do you do? Please select the category from the list below that best describes your work? Base: Full-time, Part-time, or self-employed at Q.27

While there tended to be consistency across gender and age regardless of the nature of the work of respondents, a few differences were noteworthy:

• More women described their employment as 'service or clerical worker' compared to men (19% vs 9%);
• Women were also more likely to identify their position as 'professional' relative to men (24% vs 19%); and
• Those aged 35-54 were more likely to be in a 'middle management' position (14%) compared to both those over the age of 55 and those under the age of 35 (9% and 8%, respectively).

Just under three-quarters of respondents (72%) reported speaking English most often at home, while about one-quarter (23%) said they spoke French. A variety of other languages were reported by other respondents (about 4%) with no one particular language comprising more than one or two per cent of the sample.

Q31. Which language do you speak most often at home? Base: Total sample

VIII. Detailed Methodology

A. Sample Design

A 15-minute survey of n=5000 Canadians (nationwide), aged 16 and older, was conducted online using a non-probability based sampling method with interlocking quotas. Respondents were profiled and selected to participate in the survey through the use of a nationally representative online panel. Although research conducted via online panels does not follow the protocols for a random, representative survey (and as such will not have a margin of error applied to the results), we monitored soft quotas by gender, region, and language to ensure a good representation in accordance with the overall 2016 Statistics Canada Census data.

Targets were set for region, gender and age and the final sample was distributed as shown in the following chart, with accompanying weights which were applied to ensure the final data set closely reflected the distribution of the population, aged 16 and above:

The survey was offered in both official languages, French and English.

Respondents from all regions of the country were eligible to participate in the study, however, it should be noted that the results reflect the make-up of the panel and targeting of panellists by age and gender. Nevertheless, the large final sample size overall, and for each of the age cohorts, offers a robust data set for sub-level analysis.

As non-probabilistic online panels were used for this study, a margin of error does not apply. The results of the survey are only reflective of this target audience.

1. Additional Information on Online Panel

The panel partner used for this study has extensive experience managing panels for online research across Canada. Panellists are recruited though various online portals to ensure demographically balanced respondents. Our online panel partner manages all aspects of the panel, from recruitment, registration, and removal of those who would like to retire from the panel, to communicating regularly with panel members and administering surveys to them. They also enforce strict guidelines and ensures each panelist only participates in research surveys no more than twice a month. However, to be a respondent to this type of Government of Canada survey, panel members must not have participated in any Government of Canada survey as a member of this panel, or a survey on similar subject matter, within the past 30 days.

Panel Practices

This panel has been carefully built in order to ensure that it is responsive, reliable, and representative – the foundations for quality research.

The panel is:

Multi-sourced - Recruited by email marketing with over 100 diverse online partners (avoiding the bias associated with limited source recruitment).

Research only - No marketing of any sort (which can systematically bias sample). We only do online fieldwork.

Incentivized - At a low level for participation. This is respectful of a panelist's time spent; ensuring thoughtful, considered responses are coupled with healthy response rates.

Carefully managed – Panelists are not over contacted ensuring panel membership is a positive experience.

Frequently refreshed – Panelists are not over-used ensuring sufficient fresh sample for ongoing tracking work.

Panel Rules

In order to ensure a positive membership experience for panelists, coupled with panel integrity for researchers, our panel partners apply a series of survey participation "rules". They hold the entire participation history of every panelist. This, coupled with very flexible panel management software, enables them to also be able to apply rules for specific client surveys.

Panel rules include:

• Panelists can only be selected for one open survey at a time
• Restrictions on total number of surveys taken
• Panelists cannot complete a survey on the same subject within a 3-month period

Panel Recruitment/Refresh Practices

Recruiting campaigns are run across a broad range of recruiting sources to ensure an extensive reach across the online Canadian population. Media locations are continuously re-balanced to ensure key panel demographics are representative of the Canadian population. Importantly, the panel is over-weighted with younger panelists to compensate for the lower responsiveness of this demographic.

Panelists provide opt-in consent to participate in periodic research on a wide range of topics. When registering, panelists provide the following background information:

• Gender
• Education (highest level)
• Month and year of birth
• Current employment status
• Marital status
• Industry in which panelist works
• Parent or guardian
• Nearest major city
• # of people in the household
• Forward sortation area (FSA) – first three characters of Canadian postal code
• Gender and year of birth of
• Annual household income before taxes
• Other members of household

Additional profiling information is collected from panelists over time to enhance the ability to precisely target low incidence groups. Using panelists' background information, samples for individual studies are drawn proportionately to census data for province, age, and gender to ensure representativeness. As a further measure, quotas are also set and enforced within the online survey program.

B. Pre-test

Following the Government of Canada's Standards for Public Opinion Research for Online Surveys, pre-testing was undertaken on February 1^st and 2^nd, 2022 prior to launching the survey. The survey was pre-tested among n=23 respondents in a soft launch (11 in English and 12 in French) prior to running live.

In terms of survey length, the shortest interview was 7 minutes, while the longest was 50 minutes, with the average being about 15 minutes. Results from the pre-test were provided to Health Canada and did not result in any changes to the survey.

Pre-test respondents were asked to provide feedback on various aspects of the experience completing the questionnaire, including overall ease of completion, comprehension, length, and general interest in the topic. Overall, the feedback from respondents who completed the survey was quite positive. The vast majority respondents surveyed agreed, either somewhat or strongly, that:

• The survey was easy to complete (83%);
• The questions asked were straightforward and easy to understand (78%);
• The length of the survey was reasonable (87%); and
• The topic was interesting (83%).

C. Fieldwork and Length of Survey

Following the pre-test, the fieldwork for this survey was conducted from February 3^rd to 14^th, 2022. On average, the survey took 15 minutes to complete and ran anywhere between 2 and 44 minutes in length.

D. Incidence, Response and Completion Rates

In total 5,000 respondents completed the survey, with an incidence rate of 88%. The overall response rate was 16%. A total of 54,786 invitations were sent, of which 8,714 respondents started the survey. The overall completion rate achieved across all sample sources was 87 percent.

The Following outlines the calculations

Response Rate = Interviews Started ÷ Respondents E-mailed

16% = 8,714 ÷ 54,786

Completion Rate = Completes + Screen outs + Quota full ÷ Total # of Click Ins

87% = 7,558 ÷ 8,714

E. Study Limitations

Use of online panels in public opinion research is a cost-effective and reliable means of gauging attitudes and behaviours at a specific point in time among the general public and specific target audiences. However, there are certain limitations in this approach which could be a factor of the methodology and questionnaire design, or related to the target audience itself. While a number of steps have been taken to mitigate any deficiencies in the approach taken here, it is nevertheless important that the limitations of the current study be fully explained. Some limitations of the data exist which are outline below.

1. Online Methodology

Given the desire for very robust final sample and the limited timeframe for fielding, it was determined that an online rather than telephone methodology would be most appropriate. This also avoids any social desirability response bias which tends to occur more often in interviewer-led telephone surveys, although we do not anticipate this would have been a significant issue given the topic being explored in this survey. Moreover, given the complexity of some of the questions, and the need to provide further clarifying or explanatory information, it was felt that an online methodology would significantly reduce the potential for overall response bias. This decision was made based on existing evidence which shows that web-based or online surveys tend to provide more truthful results compared to telephone, particularly for questions related to behaviours which, although in this case the behaviours being assessed are not particularly sensitive or controversial. Nevertheless, it would be challenging to completely eliminate bias altogether. And, it is possible that some respondents may have over- or under-stated their usage of various radiation emitting devices.

Online surveys are by nature opt-in methodologies, meaning that the sampling method is non-probabilistic and has not been designed to be random nor representative of the target audience. Not all members of the target audience had the same chance of participating in this study. The sample draws only upon those who are registered as panelists and received an invitation to the survey. As such, it cannot be said that it reflects the actual distribution of Canadians aged 16 and older either by device-type usage or other demographic characteristics.

2. Composition of the Final Sample

The study aimed to achieve a final sample of n=5,000 among the general public aged 16 and older in order to be able to break out results into more precisely defined age cohorts. Although we applied interlocking quotas to better reflect the distribution of the population by gender and age across regions, the final dataset many not necessarily accurately reflect the views of this group if some respondents opted out or dropped out of the survey based on the topic itself and the somewhat technical nature of some questions. At the same time, we are confident that the robust samples achieved for each age cohort, across genders and by region do permit sub-level analysis which yields valid and useful insights on key demographic and regional variations, although some collinearity between age and gender may exist.

3. The Target Audience

Finally, all data were self-reported and therefore subject to related biases. Therefore, there may be some limitations of the data associated with the age of the target audience. It is possible that usage and frequency measures are conservative among some groups and possibly over-stated among others.

While all attempts were made to employ plain language and to provide clarifying examples, it is possible that some terms were unfamiliar to respondents. This would typically result in a high level of those responding 'don't know' at each question, which was generally not the case other than when asking a 'knowledge-related' question such as that pertaining to the type of radiation emitted by various device types.

IX. Appendix: Survey

HEALTH CANADA

RADIATION EMITTING DEVICES

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for agreeing to take this survey. It is being conducted by The Strategic Counsel on behalf of Health Canada to gauge your views on radiation emitting products. It should take you no more than 15-20 minutes to complete. Your help in responding to these questions is very important. All of your answers will be kept completely confidential and anonymous, and your participation is voluntary.

Click here [POP-UP IN NEW BROWSER WINDOW*] to verify its authenticity.

This research is sponsored by Health Canada. Note that your participation will remain completely confidential and it will not affect your dealings with the Government of Canada, including Health Canada, in any way.

You may contact Claire Emery, Associate, The Strategic Counsel at cemery@thestrategiccounsel.com to verify the legitimacy of this survey.

TEXT TO SHOW ONCE RESPONDENT CLICKS:

Click here [POP-UP IN NEW BROWSER WINDOW*] for more information about how any personal information collected in this survey is handled.

The personal information you provide to Health Canada is governed in accordance with the Privacy Act and is being collected under the authority of Section 4 of the Department of Health Act in accordance with the Treasury Board Directive on Privacy Practices. We only collect the information we need to conduct the research project.

Purpose of collection: We require your personal information such as demographic information to better understand the topic of the research. However, your responses are always combined with the responses of others for analysis and reporting; you will never be identified.

For more information: This personal information collection is described in the standard personal information bank Public Communications – PSU 914, in Info Source, available online at www.infosource.gc.ca.

Your rights under the Privacy Act: In addition to protecting your personal information, the Privacy Act gives you the right to request access to and correction of your personal information. For more information about these rights, or about our privacy practices, please contact Health Canada's Privacy Coordinator at 613-948-1219 or hc.privacy-vie.privee.sc@canada.ca. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you think your personal information has been handled improperly.

TEXT TO SHOW ONCE RESPONDENT CLICKS:

Click here [POP-UP IN NEW BROWSER WINDOW*] for more information about what happens after the survey is completed.

The final report, written by The Strategic Counsel, will be available to the public from Library and Archives Canada http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/.

TEXT TO SHOW ONCE RESPONDENT CLICKS

SCREENING QUESTIONS

1. What is your gender? [PN: SOFT QUOTA – AIM FOR 50/50 GENDER SPLIT]

• Male gender
• Female gender
• Another gender
• Prefer not to answer [PN: TERMINATE]

2. In what year were you born?

(PN: RECORD YEAR – YYYY) RESPONDENT MUST HAVE BEEN BORN IN 2006 OR EARLIER TO BE ELIGIBLE

Prefer not to answer [PN: IF THE RESPONDENT PREFERS NOT TO PROVIDE A PRECISE BIRTH YEAR, ASK Q.3]

3. Would you be willing to indicate in which of the following age categories you belong?

• Under 16 [PN: TERMINATE]
• 16-17
• 18-24
• 25-34
• 35-44
• 45-54
• 55-64
• 65 or older
• Prefer not to answer [PN: TERMINATE]

[PN: NOTE SOFT QUOTAS FOR ALL AGE CATEGORIES. ENSURE RESPONSES AT Q.2 AND Q.3 ALIGN WITH SOFT AGE QUOTAS]

4. In which province or territory do you currently reside? [PN: MANAGE SOFT QUOTAS FOR REGION]

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon
• Outside of Canada [PN: TERMINATE]
• Prefer not to answer [PN: TERMINATE]

5. What are the first three digits of your postal code?

Prefer not to answer

USAGE, RISK AND KNOWLEDGE OF RADIATION EMITTING DEVICES

6. Please indicate whether you have used each of the following radiation emitting devices within the last 12 months? Check all that apply. [RANDOMIZE LIST. IF RESPONDENT ANSWERS 'I DON'T USE ANY OF THESE PRODUCTS, SKIP TO Q.8]

• Wireless communication products such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cell phones
• 5G enabled products such as 5G enabled smartphone
• Noisy products that are so loud you need to shout to communicate with someone next to you
• Handheld or other portable laser products such as a laser pointer, levelling and distance measurement products
• Airport whole-body scanner, used at airport security
• Microwave oven
• Headphones or ear buds used to listen to media with any device such as a cell phone, radio, television, tablet or MP3 player
• LED light bulb
• Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection products such as an air purifier or UV sanitizer case for small objects
• Wearable technology such as a smart watch, smart jewelry or fitness trackers
• Head mounted displays such as virtual reality goggles or smart glasses
• Tanning bed
• Other radiation emitting devices: Please specify
• I don't use any of these products [PN: EXCLUSIVE]

7. Thinking back over the past 12 months, about how often have you used each of these products, on average?

[PN: PIPE IN ONLY THOSE ITEMS CHECKED AT Q.6]

[PN: PIPE IN OTHER ITEMS ADDED AT Q.6]

8. In general, how concerned are you about daily or regular usage of products like these that emit various forms of radiation? Are you …

• Very concerned
• Somewhat concerned
• Not too concerned
• Not concerned at all
• Don't know/not sure [PN: EXCLUSIVE]

9. Each of these products emits a certain type of radiation. For each one, please indicate the type(s) of radiation you believe is/are associated with it. Select all that apply to each product.

[PN: RANDOMIZE LIST]

10. [PN: IF 'CELLPHONE' OR '5G ENABLED SMARTPHONE' CHECKED AT Q.8, ASK:] How often, if at all, do you use your cell phone in the following ways?

[PN: RANDOMIZE LIST]

11. [PN: IF 'NOISY PRODUCTS' CHECKED AT Q.6, ASK:] When you use noisy products, how often, if at all, do you use hearing protection? Noisy products would be things that, when you are using them, you need to shout to communicate with someone next to you, such as power tools.

• All of the time
• Most of the time
• Some of the time
• Rarely
• Never

12. Please indicate whether you believe each of the following statements are true or false.

[PN: RANDOMIZE STATEMENTS]

13. For each of the following, please indicate the extent to which you believe this product could be harmful to your health with regular/average use. [PN: ONE RESPONSE ONLY]

[PN: RANDOMIZE LIST]

14. In general, how concerned are you about your personal health and safety if or when using each of the following products?

[PN: RANDOMIZE LIST]

[PN: PIPE IN ITEMS ADDED AT Q.6]

15. In one or two sentences, please indicate which one of these products concerns you the most and why? [PN: OPEN-END]

None of these products concern me

TRUST

16. Which of the following have you used to learn more about a product's safety? Check all that apply. [PN: RANDOMIZE LIST]

• Government of Canada website (Canada.ca)
• USA Government website (USA.gov)
• Health Canada website
• News (online, radio, television)
• Non-government health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO)
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Research publications
• Scientists
• Health care providers such as doctors, dentists, therapists, etc.
• Information found at retail stores
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Other social media platforms: Please specify
• Internet message platforms such as Reddit or Quora
• Top pages of a search engine result
• Google search
• Friends or family
• Customer reviews of products
• Manufacturer's website or written material included with the product, including product labels
• Organizations that specialize in consumer product testing and reporting such as Consumer Reports, Wirecutter (New York Times), etc.
• Other: Please specify
• I haven't used any of these to learn about product safety [PN: EXCLUSIVE]

17. From the list below, please indicate which three you trust the most when it comes to providing information about product safety? [PN: RANDOMIZE LIST. ACCEPT UP TO 3 RESPONSES.]

• Government of Canada website (Canada.ca)
• USA Government website (USA.gov)
• Health Canada website
• News (online, radio, television)
• Non-government health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO)
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Research publications
• Scientists
• Health care providers such as doctors, dentists, therapists, etc.
• Information found at retail stores
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Other social media platforms: Please specify
• Internet message platforms such as Reddit or Quora
• Top pages of a search engine result
• Google search
• Friends or family
• Customer reviews of products
• Manufacturer's website or written material included with the product, including product labels
• Organizations that specialize in consumer product testing and reporting such as Consumer Reports, Wirecutter (New York Times), etc.
• Other: Please specify
• I don't trust any of these when it comes to providing information about product safety [PN: EXCLUSIVE]

18. How familiar are you with each of the following laws that exist to protect the health and safety of Canadians?

[PN: RANDOMIZE LIST]

19. Please indicate which, if any, issues or problems you or someone in your household has experienced with each of the following products. Check all that apply.

[PN: PIPE IN ONLY THOSE ITEMS CHECKED AT Q.6]

[PN: PIPE IN OTHER ITEMS ADDED AT Q.6]

20. Are you familiar with Health Canada's online reporting system that allows you to report problems with a product? Problems include injury, death, product defects, or labeling concerns.

• Yes
• No

21. Have you ever reported a problem with a product to Health Canada? A report of a problem can include a phone call, e-mail, letter or official report through Health Canada's online reporting system.

• Yes
• No, but I have reported a problem to the manufacturer
• No, but I have reported a problem to the retailer
• No, I have never reported a problem with any product before

22. When you decide to purchase a product, to what extent do you trust that this product meets Canadian laws for safety?

[PN: RANDOMIZE LIST]

23. Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with each of the following statements.

PN: RANDOMIZE ITEMS

DEMOGRAPHICS

This final set of questions will be used for statistical purposes only.

24. What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed?

• Grade 8 or less
• Some high school
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Registered Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma
• College, CEGEP, or other non-university certificate or diploma
• University certificate or diploma below bachelor's level
• Bachelor's degree
• Post graduate degree above bachelor's level
• Prefer not to answer

25. Which of the following categories best describes your total household income last year, before taxes, from all sources for all household members?

• Under $20,000
• $20,000 to just under $40,000
• $40,000 to just under $60,000
• $60,000 to just under $80,000
• $80,000 to just under $100,000
• $100,000 to just under $150,000
• $150,000 and above
• Don't know/Prefer not to answer

26. Which of the following ethnicity(ies) do you identify as? Select all that apply.

• Western European (UK, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, etc.)
• Eastern European (Poland, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, etc.)
• African (Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, etc.)
• Middle Eastern (Israel, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, etc.)
• South Asian (India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, etc.)
• Southeast Asian (Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, etc.)
• East Asian (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, etc.)
• South/Central/Latin American (Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, etc.)
• West Indian (Caribbean)
• Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit (Inuk), etc.)
• Other, please specify:
• Prefer not to answer

27. Which of the following best describes your current employment status? [PN: ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE ONLY]

• Working full-time, that is, 35 or more hours per week
• Working part-time, that is, less than 35 hours per week
• Self-employed
• Unemployed, but looking for work
• A student attending school full-time
• Retired
• Not in the workforce (full-time homemaker, unemployed, not looking for work)
• Other, please specify:
• Prefer not to answer

28. [PN: IF 'FULL-TIME,' 'PART-TIME,' OR 'SELF-EMPLOYED' AT Q.27, ASK:] What type of work do you do? Please select the category from the list below that best describes your work. [PN: ONE RESPONSE ONLY]

• General labourer (construction worker, taxi driver)
• Service or clerical worker (sales clerk, hair stylist, bank teller)
• Farmer or fisherman
• Military or armed forces
• Skilled trades person (carpenter, electrician, plumber)
• Skilled service worker (police officer, firefighter, child care)
• Technical worker (lab technician, surveyor, air traffic controller, software programmer)
• Sales (sales rep, wholesaler)
• Artistic, literary, recreation (actor, writer, photographer, musician)
• Middle management (restaurant, public service, office/retail)
• Senior management/executive (President, VP, CEO, Principal)
• Business owner (store owner, self-employed with employees)
• Consultant (self-employed with no employees)
• Professional (doctor, nurse, lawyer, teacher, engineer)
• Other, please specify:
• Prefer not to answer

29. What is the size of the community in which you currently live?

• 1,000,000 or more people
• 500,000-999,999 people
• 100,000-499,999 people
• 50,000-99,999 people
• 10,000-49,999 people
• 5,000-9,999 people
• Under 5,000 people
• Don't know/prefer not to answer

30. How would you best describe the area in which you reside? Is it …

• Urban
• Suburban
• Rural
• Remote
• Don't know/prefer not to answer

31. Which language do you speak most often at home? [PN: ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE ONLY]

• English
• French
• Other, please specify:
• Prefer not to answer

32. Language in which survey was completed [PN: CODE]

• English
• French

[1] Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas, July 1, 2021, Statistics Canada
(https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/91-214-x/91-214-x2022001-eng.htm)

[2] Ethnic and cultural origins of Canadians: Portrait of a rich heritage, 2016.
(https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/as-sa/98-200-x/2016016/98-200-x2016016-eng.cfm)