Community engagement programs on radiation and health: addressing public concerns

Authors: Brzozek C, Karipidis K

Year: 2023 Sep 13

Category: Public Health

Journal: Public Health Res Pract

Institution: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)

DOI: 10.17061/phrpp3332325

URL: https://www.phrp.com.au/issues/september-2023-volume-33-issue-3/community-engagement-programs-on-radiation-and-health-addressing-public-concerns/

Abstract

Overview

Due to prevalent concerns over radiation safety in the context of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) sources, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) initiated several community engagement programs. These programs were designed to equip the public with necessary information and reassurances about the safety of radiation.

Program Details

Health Complaints Register: Operational from 2003 to April 2022, gathering public health complaints possibly linked to EMR exposures.
Talk to a Scientist: Launched in 2016 allowing public interactions with radiation experts.

Findings

Despite low engagement with the Health Complaints Register, which was closed in April 2022 due to under-utilization and low interest with only 180 reports over its lifespan, the 'Talk to a Scientist' program has effectively engaged the community with over 6546 enquiries mostly about EMR sources.

Conclusion

Direct interaction with experts via the 'Talk to a Scientist' program proved significantly more effective in addressing public concerns about EMR, notably more successful than the register-based approach.

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