Development of the model of radiation risk-communication with the public for the arrangement of the research

Abstract

The aim of the study was to justify and develop a model of risk communication with the public on radiation protection issues and to conduct research based on it in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. The proposed model of risk communication consists of five continuously and cyclically alternating each other stages: 1) scientific research; 2) a scientifically based system of practical measures; 3) a regional risk communication program on the radiation protection of the public; 4) practical arrangements for the implementation of the program; 5) research to assess the effectiveness of risk communication. Four sets of questions to be answered in the framework of scientific research were identified: 1) the characteristics of the radiation-hygienic environment; 2) the demographic situation and the state of health of the public; 3) attitudes of the participants of the risk information field; 4) information field characteristic. The results obtained through the research allowed substantiating the system of practical measures: 1) to determine the directions of risk communication, 2) to assess the need for developing local programs within the framework of regional ones; 3) to assess the level of knowledge and perceptions of the public about possible sources of radiation risk; 4) to identify stakeholders in risk communication; 5) to determine the types and list of information materials and information resources that are optimal for different groups of stakeholders. The conducted studies indicate that the radiation situation in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region is stable. These regions contain all exposure situations that require the development of local risk communication programs. p Several differences were revealed in health indicators of the public in St-Petersburg and the Leningrad region. Public knowledge on radiation protection issues can be characterized as fragmented and uncertain. The preferred source of information for the public is the Internet. Among all sources of information, unconditional leaders in the level of public confidence are the employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, scientists and specialists. More than half of the respondents in St-Petersburg and the Leningrad Region (73% and 60% respectively) had no information about key public organizations covering issues of the radiation protection of the public, which indicates a rather low effectiveness of the activity of these public organizations. Both in all and in certain categories of mass media, a significant part (more than 50%) are publications with a neutral presentation of information. Only the media of the city of Sosnovy Bor is characterized by the active involvement of specialists in the radiation safety of the public in the preparation of information materials.