Communicating public health riskthe case of radon gas

Abstract

This important volume provides not only an in-depth analysis of those risk communication strategies currently used to inform and educate the public about key health issues but also the risks and effects of radon, a natural but carcinogenic gas that so far has seen relatively little wider coverage. As the leading cause of lung cancer worldwide after smoking, radon is an important yet hidden public health issue, but informing and educating the public about its hazards and dangers is far from straightforward. As well as offering a detailed overview of issues around radon itself, the book asserts that public health communication should be dialogic and interactive, culturally tailored to specific populations to ensure people comprehend and appreciate the risk to themselves and their environments. The challenges are, of course, significant in a pluralistic media landscape where disinformation and misinformation threaten the integrity of any message sent. Featuring chapters from researchers across a range of disciplines, this enlightening book will interest students, scholars and professionals working in Public Health, Environment Health and Communication Studies.