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Communicating Arsenic’s Risks

Author

Listed:
  • Shannon H. Rogers

    (Cooperative Extension, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
    Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA)

  • Laurie R. Rardin

    (Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA)

  • Kathrin Lawlor

    (Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA)

  • Celia Y. Chen

    (Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA)

  • Mark. E. Borsuk

    (Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
    Present Address: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA)

Abstract

Arsenic is a naturally occurring toxic metalloid that has many human health implications. Its strong prevalence in the bedrock and thus much of the well water in New England puts many private well owners at risk. It is also found in food products, particularly those that contain rice. Despite the documented health risks, arsenic is not high on the list of concerns for residents of the region. This study will describe two types of environmental communication efforts that have been undertaken by the Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program (DTMSRP)—the development and evaluation of a comprehensive website, Arsenic and You, and a mental models research approach to better understand the disconnect between expert and community perceptions of arsenic risk. We find that there are knowledge gaps between the two, particularly regarding the origin of arsenic in drinking water and food, the necessity of testing well water, and the process for treating water that is above recommended limits. Moreover, the mental models approach provides a structured framework for better understanding these gaps. A website can address some of these disconnects, and it is important to have a “one-stop shop” for vetted information on the risks and steps to reduce exposure.

Suggested Citation

  • Shannon H. Rogers & Laurie R. Rardin & Kathrin Lawlor & Celia Y. Chen & Mark. E. Borsuk, 2019. "Communicating Arsenic’s Risks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-13, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:18:p:3436-:d:267709
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Cristine Couto de Almeida & Diego dos Santos Baião & Paloma de Almeida Rodrigues & Tatiana Dillenburg Saint’Pierre & Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis & Katia Christina Leandro & Vania Margaret Flosi Paschoalin, 2022. "Toxic Metals and Metalloids in Infant Formulas Marketed in Brazil, and Child Health Risks According to the Target Hazard Quotients and Target Cancer Risk," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Shannon M. Cruz, 2019. "Themes Across New Directions in Community Engagement," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-13, October.

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