Browsing by Author "Kraus, Nancy"
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Item Open Access Perceived Risk, Stigma, and Potential Economic Impacts of a High-Level Nuclear Waste Repository in Nevada(1991) Slovic, Paul; Layman, Mark; Kraus, Nancy; Flynn, James; Chalmers, James; Gesell, GailThis study investigates the potential impacts of the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, upon tourism, retirement and job-related migration, and business development in Las Vegas and the state. Adverse impacts may be expected to result from perceptions of risk, stigmatization, and socially amplified reactions to "unfortunate events" associated with the repository (major and minor accidents, discoveries of radiation releases, evidence of mismanagement, attempts to sabotage or disrupt the facility, etc.). The conceptual underpinnings of risk perception, stigmatization, and social amplification are discussed and empirical data are presented to demonstrate how nuclear images associated with Las Vegas and the State of Nevada might trigger adverse economic effects. The possibility that intense negative imagery associated with the repository may cause significant harm to Nevada's economy can no longer be ignored by serious attempts to assess the risks and impacts of this unique facility. The behavioral processes described here appear relevant as well to the social impact assessment of any proposed facility that produces, uses, transports, or disposes of hazardous materials.Item Open Access Risk Perception of Prescription Drugs: Report on a Survey in Canada(1991) Slovic, Paul; Kraus, Nancy; Lappe, Henner; Major, MarilynA representative of the Canadian public was interviewed to determine their attitudes and perceptions of the risks and benefits from prescription drugs. In general, prescription drugs, with the exception of sleeping pills, antidepressants, and tranquilizers, were perceived to be high in benefit and low in risk. They appeared to be sharply differentiated from other chemicals and from illicit drugs. Perceptions varied somewhat according to geographic region, age, gender, education and tendency toward political activism on health issues. Despite the general acceptance of drug risks, respondents were very quick to call for withdrawal from the market of a drug suspected of causing fatal reactions in some patients. Evidence for safety and efficacy, in combination with warning information, appeared to make these concerned individuals much more tolerant of the risks from such a drug. Practical implications of these results and the need for further research on risk/benefit perception are discussed.Item Open Access Risk Perception of Prescription Drugs: Report on a Survey in Sweden(1989) Slovic, Paul; Kraus, Nancy; Lappe, Henner; Letzel, Heintz; Malmfors, TorbjornItem Open Access What should we know about making risk comparisons?(1990) Slovic, Paul; Kraus, Nancy; Covello, Vincent T.