Public Misperception of Hazard and Risk. John D. Graham, Harvard School of Public Health, Center for Risk Analysis, 718 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
This article examines the
extent of public misperception of hazard and risk in the U.S.
population. Misperception is defined as a deviation between public
assessment of hazard/risk and actuarial fact or expert opinion.
A random digit dial telephone survey of 1,019 adult Americans
was undertaken in November 1995. Factual questions about cancer,
heart disease, traffic crashes and violence were included to test
degree of knowledge. A variety of specific dangers were also
addressed, including smoking, ETS, EW, global warning, ozone depletion,
pesticide residues on food, medical X-rays, breast implants, and
dietary fat. While previous studies emphasized the public's rich
conception of risk, this survey uncovers some significant and
troubling misperceptions of basic actuarial facts. Gender differences
in knowledge were significant. The survey results suggest that
risk perception and communication scholars should develop strategies
to reduce the phenomenon of public misperception.