The Nuclear Science Museum: An Interdisciplinary Learning Environment to Improve Citizens' Comprehension of Radiation Risks and Benefits

Risk perception and risk acceptance are a matter of education and properly communication. Although the important role of ionizing radiation to industry, medicine and power generation, nuclear technology remains a controversial issue among a great fraction of Brazilian population. Misinformation and common wrong beliefs confuse public's perceptions of risks and benefits. Most often, people fear the harmful effects of ionizing radiation to human health and the environment. Sensitive to the need of new approaches between scientific community and society, the Nuclear Science Museum of Nuclear Energy Department – UFPE, Brazil, has developed a range of education programs to improve communication about nuclear technology.