The Relationship of Communication to Tapwater Lead Risk Perceptions and Protective Behaviors

Authors

Robert J. Griffin, Marquette UniversityFollow
Sharon Dunwoody, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Fernando Zabala, Marquette University

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

6-1994

Publisher

National Safety Council

Source Publication

Environmental Health Center, National Safety Council

Abstract

More and more communities are becoming concerned about health risks posed by lead and other health hazards in their drinking water. Our study found that reliance on health professionals for information about lead in tapwater was associated with residents perceiving risk from this hazard and efficacy in dealing with it, and adopting preventive behaviors. Mass media and pamphlets direct-mailed to residents were relatively ineffective. Results suggest that a more concentrated, proactive public information effort might be needed to reach individuals who live in areas of highest risk from tapwater lead.

Comments

Author version. "The Relationship of Communication to Tapwater Lead Risk Perceptions and Protective Behaviors." A Paper Prepared for the Environmental Health Center, National Safety Council, Washington DC June 1994 Publisher link. ©1994 The Author. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Griffin, Robert J.; Dunwoody, Sharon; and Zabala, Fernando, "The Relationship of Communication to Tapwater Lead Risk Perceptions and Protective Behaviors" (1994). College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications. 677.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/comm_fac/677