Communicating with the public about the risks of naturally occurring asbestos.

Public Health Res Pract

Health Risk and Regulation Unit, Health Protection NSW, NSW Health, Sydney, Australia.

Published: December 2017

AI Article Synopsis

  • The text discusses the use of evidence-based risk communication to educate communities about naturally occurring asbestos (NOA).
  • It highlights the need for transparent and trustworthy communication to manage public concern and provides practical strategies for addressing community fears regarding NOA.
  • Key lessons include the importance of early communication, acknowledging uncertainty, and prioritizing community responses over simple myth-busting.

Article Abstract

Objectives: To explore the application of evidence based risk communication to community messaging about naturally occurring asbestos (NOA). Type of program or service: Risk communication education about NOA.

Methods: We apply principles and determinants of risk communication to the topic of NOA.

Results: We emphasise the importance of erring on the side of transparency and trust, even when officials may be concerned about inadvertently heightening needless public concern. We offer a range of practical suggestions for how to lower public concern and outrage relating to the issue of NOA when it arises in local contexts.

Lessons Learnt: Public concern and outrage can be reduced by favouring early and frequent communication, awareness and use of the 'rule of threes' in media communication, open acknowledgement of uncertainty, prioritising response to community concern above narrow myth-busting strategies, and supporting community action.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.17061/phrp2751747DOI Listing

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