Risk communication public understanding

Beder, Sharon Shortland, Michael. (1992). Sitting a Hazardous Waste Facility The Tangled Web of Risk Communication, Public Understanding of Science, Vol. 1, pp. 139-160. 

Peterson RKD. 2000. Public perceptions of agricultural biotechnology and pesticides recent understandings and implications for risk communication. Am Entomol 46 8-16. 

An open and sincere comprehensive risk communication process led by the facility manager creates a better-informed public that is able to understand real risks (vs. perceptions) and is likely to respond effectively in case of an actual emergency. 

Covello T.V., 1989. Informing people about risks from chemicals, radiation and other toxic substances a review of obstacles to public understanding and effective risk communication. In Prospects and Problems in Risk Communication, University of Waterloo Press. 

Managers also need to improve their communications with the public on matters of risk. For reasons we reviewed in the preceding chapter, public understanding of risk information is generally poor and the public s perceptions do not match the judgments of experts. The effective manager needs to appreciate these matters and keep them firmly in mind when planning to explain decisions to the public. 

As might be expected, such checks and balances upon industrial practice are viewed as either an unbridled abuse of power (by industiy), or a necessary evil (by environmentalists). Where does truth lie Certainly, not as the media usually portray it Rather, the truth is often hidden in scientific terminology that is difficult for the public to understand. It is hoped however, that the fledgling Science of Risk Assessment and Risk Communication will sometime advanee to the point where objective truth in safety, health and environmental issues impaet-ing dyes and pigments no longer need an interpreter. 

Understanding of the nature of public risk perception towards a particular industrial activity is critical for the communicators to plan and execute proper communication strategies. Risk communication has become a vital topic among modem day process industries, instigated by new national and... 

Risk assessors and decision makers both need to be prepared to communicate risk results in an understandable form to other practitioners (regulatory and registrant), stakeholders, and the public. This is particularly critical in the case of uncertainty in the assessment. Most scientists hired to perform risk assessment are thoroughly trained in their subject matter but less familiar with the demands of public presentation or the essentials of educating at multiple levels. Regulators must provide scientists and decision makers with the support and opportunity to develop skills necessary to effectively communicate with stakeholders and the public. 

Vaccine approval also requires the provision of adequate product labeling to allow health care providers to understand the vaccine s proper use, including its potential benefits and risks, to communicate with patients and parents, and to safely deliver the vaccine to the public. 

---