Facts, fallacies and fears: The public and the health professionals at odds

Risk assessment as well as risk perception and risk communication are essential skills for the occupational health professional. However, in view of the widespread failure of employed groups and the general public to reach national conclusions on risk, we are clearly failing in our duty to the wider world. This paper reviews the basis of public ignorance and disquiet as well as the essential elements needed for effective risk communication. Examples include the Brent Spar saga, electromagnetic fields, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The way public perceptions can effect symptomatology is discussed as well as low political and legal opinions can influence the risk debate. ii way forward is proposed. (C) 1998 British Occupational Hygiene Society, Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.