Communicating chemical based knowledge to the general public which is grounded in scientific fact often requires overcoming preconceived ideas about chemical hazards that individuals have formed based on personal experience, social background, and cultural beliefs. These ideas are often formed using faulty information from unreliable sources which may include those with media bias or “fake news”. Additionally, our human perception of the actual level of risk from exposure to chemical hazards is also often irrational and often not based in science. These ideas can lead consumers to the faulty conclusion that all chemicals are “bad”. This paper will discuss some basic language of hazard and risk as it applies to the public perception of consumer products and how to help consumers look at chemicals through the lens of “risk vs. benefit”.

Chemicals: The good, the bad, and the ugly

254th National Meeting (2017)

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