Herbicides and forest ecosystems - approaches to risk communication

Abstract

Abstract.It has become apparent to many risk experts that without good communication, risk assessment and risk management efforts may be largely in vain. For the public, perception is reality when it comes to the interpretation of risk information and the shaping of regulatory policy. The findings of several- risk communication experts are reviewed and presented in the context of herbicides used in forest ecosystems. An emphasis is placed on (1) how to recognize and deal with public outrage, (2) how to make "good" and "bad" risk comparisons, and (3) guidelines for developing a formal risk communication program.

Citation

McMahon, Charles K. 1992. Herbicides and forest ecosystems - approaches to risk communication. In: Proceedings of the 45th Annual Meeting Southern Weed Science Society; 1992 January 20-22; Little Rock, AR. [Champaign, IL]: Southern Weed Science Society: 154-170.