Prior knowledge and risk communication: The case of nuclear radiation and X-rays

Abstract

Modern industrial and technological developments have been accompanied by different types of hazards and threats. Not surprisingly, there has been a growing interest during the last two decades in risk and risk perception. Corresponding to the growing concern regarding potential hazards, there have been increasing efforts in developing programs to inform the public about the risks and possible consequences involved in certain hazardous enterprises. Attempts to create effective risk-information programs serve several purposes: First, in a democratic society decisions (made by societal decision makers) have to be justified. It is assumed that the more the public knows, the better it can evaluate (and eventually participate in) the decision process (Baram, 1986). Second, more information regarding a potential hazard may increase the perceived control (Brehmer, 1985) and thus mitigate undesirable effects such as excessive fear, thus leading to more rational decisions. Finally, understanding the processes underlying potential hazards and knowing the possible consequences they may lead to can be helpful in coping with that hazard when and if it occurs.