A Study of Perception of Risk Messages After the Times Beach Dioxin Investigation. R. Boot, B. Quinn, and G. M. Carlson, Missouri Department of Health, Jefferson City, MO
The Missouri Department of Health is interested in whether citizens understood their messages about the Times Beach Dioxin Incinerator Emissions Exposure Investigation. The Times Beach Dioxin Incinerator was the method used to destroy dioxin-contaminated soils and other material from the former town of Times Beach, Missouri, and 26 other sites in eastern Missouri contaminated with dioxin. The dioxin originated from waste oil (mixed with dioxin residues) sprayed on dirt roads and other areas for dust suppression by a local waste oil recycler. The issue this study will concentrate on, is the citizen’s evaluation of the governmental communication efforts, the citizen’s risk perception after the completion of the dioxin clean up and other reactions they may have had to the dioxin issue. Did the audience understand the context of the communication? Did the audience agree with the recommendation or interpretation in communication? Did the audience judge the message to have been helpful, accurate, clear and in good time? Mass media, other stake holders and alternative sources of risk information have had their impact in the people’s perception and reactions. Their influence has been taken into account. This study brought about suggestions, comments, additions and questions by those involved in the project. Guidelines and recommendations were given for future risk communication.
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