Communicating Fish Consumption Risk in the Savannah River Region: Evaluation of a Targeted Risk Communication Strategy. L. M. Waishwell and J. Burger, Rutgers University
Fish consumption advisories are generally developed and disseminated on a state or region-wide basis. This broad-based approach may not adequately communicate with populations at particular risk. CRESP research found that blacks consumed more fish than whites, putting them at greater risk from contaminants (Burger et al., 1999). Additionally, blacks may be less likely to know about health advisories than other ethnic groups (Fleming, et al., 1995). This presentation provides recommendations for targeted risk communication strategies based upon results of a telephone survey (N=1,671) conducted in the Savannah River region in counties adjacent to the Department of Energy-Savannah River site. Discussion will focus on differences between black and white respondents frequently used sources of information for environmental information and their perceived credibility. A study evaluating a specific risk communication strategy will also be presented. To gain greater insight into the perceptions of anglers about a fish consumption fact sheet jointly developed by South Carolina, Georgia, and federal agencies, interviews (N=92) were conducted to: determine if respondents had previously obtained about similar information; assess the major messages of the fact sheet received, and to solicit input on the best methods to disseminate appropriate information. While there were no ethnic differences in the major messages received, there were differences in the ways people thought risk from eating fish could be reduced, sources of information about related risks, and further information requested.
Funded by the Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation (AI #DE-FC01-95EW55084).Thanks to CRESP members B. Williams, S. Brown and M. Greenberg, who developed and conducted the RCPI, the foundation for a section of this presentation.
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