Communicating with the Public about Pesticides Amy Hallman, MS National Pesticide Information Center
Today s Topics About NPIC The Science of Risk Discussing Risk Website & Product Tools
Who is NPIC? An objective information service for pesticides Toll-free phone service: Monday - Friday, 8 am - Noon
Audience About 11,000 inquiries per year Most questions about pesticide use in and around home About 15% of calls are pesticide incidents Other General Public
Example Inquiries 1. Bayer Suspend (Deltamethrin) over-spray onto vegetable garden Safe to eat? 2. Using plants that were pre-treated with neonicotinoids Risk to bees? 3. Glyphosate used near pond Risk to fish?
Today s Topics About NPIC The Science of Risk Discussing Risk Website & Product Tools
The Science of Risk Perception Every person is unique Every hazard is unique Acknowledgement: Dr. Paul Slovic, University of Oregon
Risk Human beings made up the concept of risk. It cannot be objectively measured. Assumptions and subjective judgments are used. Most risk perception is determined by fast intuitive feelings. Understanding risk perception is critical for effective communication.
Who Benefits? How Much? Risks are less likely to be acceptable if the benefits are hidden from view, or if they are not fairly distributed among those who bear the risks.
How is Risk Defined? Who Decides? Is coal mining getting safer? Accidental deaths per million tons of coal mined in the United States Accidental deaths per thousand coal mine employees in the United States
Gut Feelings, probability neglect Risk and benefit are fused in the mind into a feeling. Feelings about outcomes and feelings about probabilities are often confused. When strong emotions are involved, there is probability neglect.
Personal Outrage Factors In person s control -----------------Out of person s control Voluntary ---------------------- Imposed Beneficial -------------- Not beneficial Natural ---------------- Man-made Affects only adults ------------------ Affects children Lower risk perceived Familiar ------------------ Exotic Trusted entity ---------- Untrusted entity Higher risk perceived
Today s Topics About NPIC The Science of Risk Discussing Risk Website & Product Tools
Why Risk? Safety Yes or No No precautions necessary Safe is safe for everyone Easy to explain Risk More risky<-------------->less risky Precautions reduce risk Risk is higher for certain people Harder to explain The impression of safety Careless behaviors, lack of vigilance Increased risk
Reframing the Safe Question Is it safe? The risk is low, but tell me about your specific concerns Listen Consider tailored approaches Quickly explain why safe isn t the right word or mindset Discuss risk level and things that affect it
The Risk Equation Risk = Toxicity X Exposure Toxicology of active ingredient Product signal word Effects (signs, symptoms) reported in the literature Onset, duration and resolution of symptoms Distance to application site Route of potential exposure Physical/chemical properties of active ingredient Duration/frequency of exposure Bioavailability by the route in question
What is Toxicity? All things are poison and nothing is without poison; only the dose makes a thing not a poison - Paracelsus
Toxicity = Active Ingredient Formulated Product
Toxicity Signal Words DANGER WARNING CAUTION
Signal Words Product A Product B Product C
Signal Words High Tox. Moderate Low Very Low Product A Product B Product C
Signal Words High Tox. Moderate Low Very Low Product A Product B Product C WARNING
Signal Words High Tox. Moderate Low Very Low Product A Product B Product C WARNING Optional
Signal Words High Tox. Moderate Low Very Low Product A Product B Product C WARNING Optional DANGER POISON
Word Choice High-emotion words Consider saying Pesticide Insecticide, weed-killer Chemical Material, mixture Toxic or Safe Harmful in high enough doses, use with caution
Risk Communication Checklist Listen, ask questions, paraphrase Frame as risk rather than safety Toxicity information Exposure information Benefit(s) of the application Action items in person s control Where to get more info
How to reach NPIC 800-858-7378 8:00-12:00pm PT NPIC@ace.orst.edu NPIC.orst.edu
Communication techniques When people experience social pain, their IQ is decreased by up to 20%. - Embarrassment, shame - Disappointment, anger
One Approach to Relatable Stories Feel: Felt: Found: Acknowledge the person s feelings (i.e. fear). Share how you felt about something similar. Share some information you found that may have influenced your thinking on the topic.
Building Trust Treat it like your first call or conversation of the day. Give the person your full attention. Check your personal opinions at the door. Set the tone for the conversation. Alarmed or calm?
Building Trust Ask questions and listen, building a picture of the situation Start listing the person s questions as they tell the story. Choose words that reflect the uncertainty in the situation. Use words like may, might have, could have, etc.
L E A P over the Barriers Listen Empathize Apologize Problem-Solve Barriers: Filters Values Experiences Personality Roles
Active Listening Minimal Encouragements Paraphrasing Open-ended questions
Active Listening DO NOT: Problem-solve Plan your response Give advice Be or appear rushed DO: Be attentive Be respectful Withhold judgment Ask brief questions
Active Listening That s a complicated story. I think I understand (paraphrase the story). Is that right? Is there anything else? It sounds like you ve been through a lot. Let me make sure I understand. You did (this, that), and you found (this, that), and now you re wondering (this, that). Is that right?
Today s Topics About NPIC The Science of Risk Discussing Risk Website & Product Tools
NPIC Website npic.orst.edu
NPIC Publications Fact sheets Videos Podcasts Outreach
NPIC Fact Sheets
NPIC Web Apps Herbicide Properties Tool NPIC.orst.edu/HPT NPIC Product Research Online NPIC.orst.edu/NPRO
Herbicide Properties Tool NPIC.orst.edu/HPT
HPT NPIC.orst.edu/HPT
NPRO: NPIC s Product Research Online npic.orst.edu/npro/
How to reach NPIC 800-858-7378 8:00-12:00pm PT NPIC@ace.orst.edu NPIC.orst.edu @NPICatOSU