Communicating about Environmental Risks: How the Public Uses and Perceives Information Sources

Examined environmental risk communication as a community-based public health issue in 6 communities prior to the implementation of national community right-to-know legislation. 3,129 residents (aged 18+ yrs) of communities with various environmental risks from toxic substances completed a telephone survey regarding their recall of environmental risk information and sources, as well as personal knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to environmental health risks. Local media were the most pervasive source of environmental information. Interpersonal sources (e.g., friends, officials, town meetings, health professionals) were reported by fewer than 12% of Ss. Credibility appeared to be the most valuable attribute of an environmental information source. Credibility and expertise were perceived as independent characteristics by Ss.