The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50067

Steve Wing, PhD, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, McGavran-Greenburg Hall, CB#7435, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7400, 919-966-7416, steve_wing@unc.edu

Epidemiologists and environmental scientists often have trouble communicating their work to the general public, especially communities most affected by contaminants. Communication is difficult because common scientific concepts such as estimated doses and risks are highly problematic on their own terms. In addition, professional scientists' credibility is adversely affected by direct or indirect connections with governmental, academic or business entities that create or regulate environmental contaminants. Members of the public are often skeptical about scientific objectivity and have inadequate training in science, while scientists are naïve about scientific objectivity and have inadequate training in the social construction of science. Through full participation of affected communities from origin to completion, environmental health studies can pose better questions, improve protection of participants and communities, reduce measurement error, educate non-scientists about epidemiology and public health, increase credibility of research, and put research findings in hands of those who can best use them to change individuals and institutions and improve health.

This session will summarize some of the issues affecting researchers and residents in areas where there is concern of the potential for environmental exposure and as well as attempt to provide suggestions to help ensure that the pathways for communication remain open. Resources that are available for both researchers and community members to make the process of understanding easier will be discussed. Discussion with session attendees will be encouraged in order to generate ideas about how to present technical ideas and results in an understandable manner.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Identify three reasons why communicating scientific research to community members is difficult;
• Identify three reasons why professional scientists' credibility is questioned by community members; and
• Discuss methods to ensure participation of affected communities in the research process.

Keywords: Environmental Health, Community Participation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.