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Science 13 December 1991:
Vol. 254. no. 5038, pp. 1603 - 1607
DOI: 10.1126/science.254.5038.1603
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Articles

Perceived Risk, Trust, and the Politics of Nuclear Waste

PAUL SLOVIC 1, JAMES H. FLYNN 1, and MARK LAYMAN 1

1 Decision Research, 1201 Oak Street, Eugene, OR 97401 professor of psychology at the University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97503

The Department of Energy's program for disposing of high-level radioactive wastes has been impeded by overwhelming political opposition fueled by public perceptions of risk. Analysis of these perceptions shows them to be deeply rooted in images of fear and dread that have been present since the discovery of radioactivity. The development and use of nuclear weapons linked these images to reality and the mishandling of radioactive wastes from the nation's military weapons facilities has contributed toward creating a profound state of distrust that cannot be erased quickly or easily. Postponing the permanent repository and employing dry-cask storage of wastes on site would provide the time necessary for difficult social and political issues to be resolved.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Public Attitudes toward Emerging Technologies: Examining the Interactive Effects of Cognitions and Affect on Public Attitudes toward Nanotechnology.
C.-J. Lee, D. A. Scheufele, and B. V. Lewenstein (2005)
Science Communication 27, 240-267
   Abstract »    PDF »
The Next Species of Trouble: Spent Nuclear Fuel Transportation in the United States, 2010-2048.
F. Dilger and R. Halstead (2003)
American Behavioral Scientist 46, 796-811
   Abstract »    PDF »
Gender Differences in Recreational Use, Environmental Attitudes, and Perceptions of Future Land Use at the Savannah River Site.
J. Burger, J. Sanchez, J.W. Gibbons, and M. Gochfeld (1998)
Environment and Behavior 30, 472-486
   Abstract »
Credibility, Public Trust, and the Transport of Radioactive Waste Through Local Communities.
S. E. Binney, R. Mason, S. W. Martsolf, and J. H. Detweiler (1996)
Environment and Behavior 28, 283-301
   Abstract »


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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)