RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Do participants in well water testing programs update their exposure and health risk perceptions?
JF Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
FD Soil and Water Conservation Society
SP 320
OP 325
VO 53
IS 4
A1 G. L. Poe
A1 H. M. van Es
A1 T. P. VandenBerg
A1 R. C. Bishop
YR 1998
UL http://www.jswconline.org/content/53/4/320.abstract
AB This paper uses data from two studies about people's perceptions of nitrate health risks and exposure before and after a well testing program to investigate whether people update their perceptions about risk when they get new information. Graphical analyses demonstrate that, on the whole, updating occurs when well test information is provided. Statistical analyses indicate that the way in which people update their perceptions is related to their prior perceptions and nitrate test levels. Evidence that people do change how they view these issues demonstrates that public information programs can be effective in modifying individual perceptions of risk, and offers a critical first step in assessing the cost effectiveness of such programs.