When communication “creates” the disaster: Communication and information needs in a slow-motion technological disaster

Background: Widespread exposure to amphibole asbestos in Libby, Montana created what EPA has called the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history (more than 280 deaths; hundreds of asbestos-related disease (ARD) cases.) Due to ARD's lengthy latency period, the disaster will continue for decades. Typical disaster-response communication advice (respond quickly, use credible spokespersons, create a consistent message, acknowledge uncertainty) is rendered useless in a slow-motion technological disaster (SMTD) where (a) socially-constructed realities harden before agencies respond – potentially decades into the disaster; (b) stakeholders with competing interests have created/disseminated conflicting messages; and (c) appropriate and otherwise believable sources' credibility (e.g., agencies, public health experts, health-care professionals) has been systematically undermined by competing stakeholders. Purpose: We analyzed communication needs and responses in a community experiencing a SMTD. Our previous qualitative (focus group) research guided the survey design. Significance: Much research has addressed communication in crises (using an organizational perspective) and rapidly-striking natural disasters, but little is known about communication responses to SMTDs. Methods: We conducted a population-based survey, mailed to randomly-selected households (n=1200) and ARD patients (n=100), in Libby. Questions addressed asbestos/ARD communication including: information sources used, sources' credibility, media coverage attitudes, preferred information sources, information needs, information resource losses (e.g., trust in government, business/industry, medical professionals), and personal advocacy behavior. Results: Results clarify damaged communication processes; communication variables associated with personal advocacy, perceived ARD risk/severity, and medical screening and evaluation behavior; and predictors of trusted information sources. Conclusion: The Libby, MT experience yields guidance for developing effective public health responses to SMTDs.