Risk communication is a critical part of overall risk management. While risk assessment produces estimates of potential risks, risk communication puts the risks into perspective, including making complex scientific principles understandable to lay audiences. When used effectively, risk communication provides a basis for discussing the relative importance of risk assessment information, encourages positive community and government involvement, and involves all parties in solving problems in a constructive manner.
Intertox & Risk Communication
Intertox combines technical expertise with the design and implementation of risk communication programs for a wide range of environmental and public health issues. Our team of scientists is experienced in developing risk communication programs for controversial issues where the public, regulatory agencies and private businesses are at odds over perceived risks to human health and the environment. Examples of issues where Intertox has provided risk communication services include addressing concerns about foul odor emissions from incineration facilities, explaining impacts to neighbors of a proposed industrial site, and calming fears of parents resulting from the measurement of lead in school drinking water.
Intertox works closely with clients to develop employee or public information programs tailored specifically for each project. Intertox scientists are experienced in developing such programs for people from varied educational and cultural backgrounds. The firm also offers risk communication training courses to the public and private sector, which teach individuals how to effectively communicate scientific findings to interested parties.