Health risk perception in Canada II: Worldviews,attitudes and opinions |
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| Authors: | Daniel Krewski Paul Slovic Sheryl Bartlett James Flynn C.K. Mertz |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Health Canada , Environmental Health Centre , Room 109, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Canada , KIA OL2 Phone: (613) 954–0163 Fax: (613) 954–0163;2. Carleton University , Ottawa, Canada;3. Decision Research , 1201 Oak St., Eugene, OR, 97401 Phone: (503) 485–2400 Fax: (503) 485–2400;4. Health Canada , Environmental Health Centre , Room 109, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Canada , KIA OL2 Phone: (613) 954–0163 Fax: (613) 954–0163 |
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| Abstract: | In this article, we present the results of a national survey of 1500 Canadians on their attitudes and opinions about health risks. Ratings of perceived risk, sources of information on health risks and responsibility for risk management were also investigated, with findings reported separately. A high degree of concern about health risks was associated with industrial pollution and chemical products (with the exception of medicines), with almost complete agreement that the land, air and water are more contaminated than ever. In addition, there was widespread belief that a risk‐free environment was an achievable goal, and an unwillingness to accept some health risks to improve the economy. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and tobacco smoking were perceived to be important modifiers of health risk. On the other hand, many respondents endorsed the idea that they had little control over the risks to their health. |
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