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Publication Laka-library:
Risk perception of nuclear waste: experts and the public. Rhizikon Risk Research Report 16 (1994)

AuthorL.Sjöberg, B.M.Drottz-Sjöberg
DateDecember 1994
Classification 6.01.3.70/66 (NUCLEAR SAFETY - RISK ANALYSES / RISK PERCEPTION)
Front

From the publication:

RISK PERCEPTION OF NUCLEAR WASTE: EXPERTS AND THE PUBLIC (1)

Lennart Sjöberg and Britt-Marie Drottz-Sjöberg

Abstract

A broad range of risk perception and attitude dimensions was investigated by 
means of a mail survey directed to a random sample of the Swedish population, 
and to experts in the field of nuclear waste. For control purposes, a sample of 
graduate engineers working in other fields than the nuclear was also included. 
It was found, contrary to allegations based on responses to a poll question posed 
in in-home interviews, that respondents from the general public were not willing 
to accept a local high-level nuclear waste repository in their home region. Nuclear 
waste was seen, by the public, as a very important issue, and a major part of the 
total risk spectrum of nuclear power. Fear of radiation appeared to be an important 
determinant of the perceived risk, and so was attitude to nuclear power. Experts 
dismissed risks from nuclear waste, which they regarded as very small indeed. 
Experts and the public held extremely different views on nuclear waste risks. 
The differences could to some extent be accounted for by differences in 
education, fear of radiation and environmental attitudes, but about half 
of the differences remained after controlling for such factors.

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