Foundations of RC
This key principle involves being open, honest and sharing information as quickly as possible even when all the answers are not yet known.
What is transparency
People often judge a risk based on how they ______ rather than on statistics alone.
What is feel.
When information is incomplete, risk communication should openly acknowledge _____________ rather than pretending to have all the answers.
What is uncertainty.
PFAS are often called these because they break down very slowly, in the environment and can remain for many years.
What are "forever chemicals"
This feeling often drives stakeholder concern when people believe a risk may affect their health, family or community.
What is fear.
According to risk communication best practices, this is often the first thing communicators should do before providing facts and data?
What is acknowledge concerns or show empathy
What is involuntary exposure.
During uncertain situations, communicators should avoid speculation and share only this type of information.
What is verified information.
One challenge of PFAS communication is translating highly technical toxicology and environmental data into this type of language.
What is plain language.
What is risk perception.
Peter Sandmand's model suggests that public reaction to a risk is influenced by hazard plus this factor.
What is outrage
People generally perceive risks as lower when they believe they have this and can personally influence the outcome.
What is control.
This phrase is often used in risk communication to acknowledge uncertainty while still providing the best available information: " Based on what we know ______"
What is today.
PFAS communication can be challenging because people often want ___________ about health effects, but science may not provide this level of certainty.
What is definitive answers.
This source of concern occurs when stakeholders believe some groups bear more of the risk while others receive the benefits.
What is fairness.
Using clear, non-technical language helps ensure stakeholders can do this with risk information.
What is make a risk vs benefit decision.
This risk perception factor can increase concern when the organization responsible for managing a risk is viewed as dishonest, secretive, or unreliable.
What is lack of trust.
During evolving situations, communicators should regularly provide these, even if there is little new information to share.
What are updates.
For most people, this is considered the primary source of PFAS exposure.
What is drinking water.
Stakeholders often become more vocal when they feel excluded from decisions that affect them. This concern centers around a lack of ______________.
What is involvement or participation.
This foundational element is built through consistancy, honesty, competence, and follow through, and is essential for effective risk communicaiton.
What is trust.
Name three factors that commonly increase public concern about risk, regardless of the scientific assessment.
What is lack of control, lack of trust, unfairness, unfamiliarity, uncertainty, affecting only children.
When scientific understanding changes over time, effective communications explain that recommendations are changing because of this process, not because previous information was intentionally misleading.
What is evolving science.
One of the biggest challenges surrounding PFAS in drinking water is helping people understand the difference between detecting a chemical and this concept.
What is health risk.
Beyond health concerns, stakeholders may be motivated by personal, organizational, political, economic, or advocacy-related objectives. These are often referred to as ___________.
What are agendas.