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War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC-DC)

Deployment Risks and Exposures
 

Risk Communication Defined

The National Research Council (1989) defined risk communication as

"...an integrative process of exchange of information and opinions among individuals, groups, and institutions; often involves multiple messages about the nature of the risk or expressing concerns, opinions, or reactions to risk messages or to the legal and institutional arrangements for risk management."

At WRIISC-DC, this definition is put into practice by following four basic principles:

  1. Risk communication is a process, not a one-time activity.
  1. Risk communication involves the exchange of ideas. It is not a one-sided activity.
  1. Risk communication involves airing concerns, opinions, and reactions. It cannot be based solely on objective or "hard" data.
  1. Risk communication often requires the interpretation of scientific information for the target audience.

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