Hi Anthony,

Might I suggest In the Chamber of Risks: Understanding Risk Controversies
(2001) by William Leiss.

Book Summary of In The Chamber Of Risks: Understanding Risk Controversies
In "In the Chamber of Risks," William Leiss demonstrates that case studies
of risk controversies show that those instincts are unreliable guides to
effective risk management and that in all cases the opposite position is a
far better guide. As risk management is inherently disputable, public
perceptions of risk should be seen as legitimate and treated as such and the
public should always be involved in discussions about risk evaluations made
by scientists and risk managers. Leiss chronicles the erratic course of risk
management and communication in environmental management in Canada,
discussing the notable controversies that have arisen over pesticides and
breast cancer, vinyl toys, genetically engineered food crops, cellular
telephones, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, among many others. He focuses
on risk management - how we make decisions about and assess hazards in the
environment - and on risk communication - social dialogue that deals with
both our intuitive feelings of concern about substances or activities that
might hurt our health or the environment, and the scientific and
probabilistic description of them. Leiss shows that both risk management and
risk communication, when properly constructed, require an elaborate process
because the very things that can cause harm are in most cases the same
things that bring us great benefits, such as paper mills, electricity from
nuclear power generating stations, or wireless telecommunications.
http://www.flipkart.com/chamber-risks-william-leiss-understanding-book-07735
22387

Nick Merriman
0771 347 0580



-----Original Message-----
From: Contaminated Land Management Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Anthony
Luke
Sent: Thursday, June 24, 2010 9:09 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Risk Communication

On a closely related matter, it is interesting to read the reports in
yesterday's press regarding the conclusions of a study into possible
links between proximity to mobile phone masts and possible damage to
unborn children.

The report has concluded that there are no such risks, and that indeed
there is no known biological mechanism to create such a risk. As you
might expect, the reader reactions showed that the conclusions merely
reinforced an existing belief that there must be a cover-up.

There is a very good book which may be of use : "RISK - The Science and
Politics of Fear" by Dan Gardner.

Dr. Anthony Luke
Principal Officer (Contaminated Land)
TEC Services
The Highland Council
38 Harbour Road
Inverness IV1 1UF
01463-228703
07766-298104

The opinions expressed herein are my own and do not necessarily reflect
those of the council

-----Original Message-----
From: Contaminated Land Management Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Thomas, Russell
Sent: 24 June 2010 07:38
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Risk Communication

Following on from Corinne's email yesterday, I'm preparing some
educational material for school children on Contaminated land and
wondered if anyone else had any experience of this or new of any decent
examples worth looking at.

Best Regards
Dr Russell Thomas
BSc(Hons), PhD, CBIOL, MSB, MIENVSc, CEnv, MSCI
Principal Scientist, Environnment
Parsons Brinckerhoff
44-(0)7879-602-509



-----Original Message-----
From: Contaminated Land Management Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Corinne Mason
Sent: 23 June 2010 12:10
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Risk Communication

Hi.

We are about to venture into the unknown, investigating sites of concern
which are privately owned / residential.  Clearly there is a need for us
to approach owners / occupiers with care, particularly in the case of
residential development.  Our intention is to make first contact with
relevant stakeholders by letter and to then invite individuals to
discuss matters further in person.

Has anyone compiled a risk communication strategy for their authority,
and / or does anyone have any letters they have compiled for
stakeholders for this purpose which have proved successful in terms of
risk communication?  Any assistance in this area would be greatly
appreciated.

Please accept my apologies if a similar message has been posted
previously.  This is our first visit to JISC Mail!

Kind Regards

Corinne Mason
Senior EHO

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