Basic Principles of Risk Communication in Air Pollution

Abstract

Risk communication is crucial in response to any hazard to human health. Sharing information can help triggering necessary actions that can eventually lead to the solution of a problem or to a reduction of its negative effects, improving the outcome. Some basic rules must be followed, though, in order to create an effective communication, avoiding those mistakes that undermine the trust that people rely on risk assessors and decision-makers.

Air pollution is a peculiar problem in risk communication as its effects are blurred although partially known also by the public. Most of them appear later in life and not always the cause-effect relationship is clear.

For this reason, air pollution remains a major challenge in risk communication and health education.