A Comparison of Environmental Risk Perceptions between General Public and Experts

일반인과 전문가의 환경문제에 대한 위해도 인식 차이

Differences in risk perception on major environmental issues between general public and environmental experts were investigated in this study. Questionnaire surveys were conducted to samples from general public and environmental experts during March and April, 2000. Total number of responses was 1,126 including 773 persons from general public and 353 experts. Risk perceptions on 26 environmental issues were related with the need to regulate each issue, controllability, experience, political views, interest in environmental problem, satisfaction of environment, severity of environmental pollution. There was statistically significant difference in risk perceptions between general public and experts. Overall, general public was likely to perceive risks associated with environmental problem, as well as social need to regulate these problems more than experts. The issues with high risk perception and need to regulate were 'automobile exhaust', 'industrial air pollution', ocean pollution by industrial waste and oil exhaust', 'air pollution by chemicals', 'surface water pollution by waste from household', 'industrial and hospital waste', 'surface water pollution by pesticide'and'sewage and food waste'. Consequently, it seems necessary to manage these issues, prior to others.