Risk perception in context: The Savannah River Site Stakeholder Study

Environmental managers are increasingly charged with involving the public i n the development and modification of policies regarding risks to human hea lth and the environment. Involving the public in environmental decision mak ing first requires a broad understanding of how and why the public perceive s various risks. The Savannah River Stakeholder Study was conducted with th e purpose of investigating individual, economic, and social characteristics of risk perceptions among those living near the Savannah River Nuclear Wea pons Site. A number of factors were found to Impact risk perceptions among those living near the site. One's estimated proximity to the site and relat ive river location surfaced as strong determinants of risk perceptions amon g SRS residents. Additionally, living in a quality neighborhood and demonst rating a willingness to accept health risks for economic gain strongly abat ed heightened risk perceptions.