Does knowledge matter? The public's radiological knowledge and how this might affect their response in a radiological emergency event

Public knowledge of radiological materials and the risks associated with them is often inaccurate and commonly distorted. With media on-hand there is always a supply of catastrophic images and reports of 'disasters' and 'cover-ups' from the past ready to be brought to bear on the current issue of interest. Against this backdrop misperceptions, distrust of authorities, and deep-rooted fears persist. Attempts to educate and inform the public are often met with apathy, disinterest, or even suspicion by some. With these external influences in play it is interesting to wonder what the public really does think, believe, or know about radiation, radioactivity, and its health impacts. Is it as bad as we might be led to believe? For those involved in issues of security, health, and public safety it is, perhaps, more a question of 'Does this actually matter (in the context of what I need to do)? or 'How will this affect what the public does in an emergency?' This presentation will draw on data from three research projects conducted from 2008-201]. All were undertaken to help inform those interested in the public's response to radiological emergency events; accidental or deliberate. The first research project, conducted as a pilot study (n=324) investigated Sydneysiders' knowledge of radiation and radiological materials; and included a 17-item knowledge test. This study also investigated anticipated responses to a radiological emergency event, risk perceptions, and attitudes. The second study (n=2800) was conducted earlier this year, in the context radiological terrorism, and also included information on likely responses of the general population but had a more modest knowledge component. The third study is currently underway and will involve focus groups with the Sydney public in June 2011 (n=64-80). The focus group study will include more in depth investigation of the public's anticipated response to a radiological terrorism event and factors that might influence their understanding of emergency instructions and their ability to comply. It will also include consideration of the recent events at the Fukushima nuclear plant, and how this had impacted people's views, knowledge, and risk perceptions. Discussion in the presentation will focus on the accuracy of public knowledge and how this was associated with risk perception, attitudes to radiological and nuclear issues, and anticipated responses in a radiological emergency. These findings will be tested using data from the larger second study, and will be discussed with comments and observations from the focus groups.