Kommunal riskkommunikation om PFAS: Hantering och behov för långsiktiga miljö- och hälsorisker

Risk communication is an interactive process which aims to reduce public concerns about health- and environmental risks through gaining trust and confidence. PFASs (Polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances) is more addressed today amongst Swedish municipalities because there are concern for surface- and groundwater pollution and concern about long-term health risks.
This study aims to investigate by qualitative interviews how four Swedish municipalities handles their risk communication about PFASs. Also, what important factors that are needed for successful risk communication and future needs for the development of risk communication handling long- term risks. This study shows that the municipalities work with communication strategies which includes both intern and extern cooperation’s for communicating about PFASs. They reach the public by websites, social networks and media. There are no active risk communications within the municipalities today, due to establishing that PFASs does not lead to acute effects. The public are silent and their concerns are considered low, which also contributes to that the municipalities does not conveys information about PFASs today.
The results showed several needs for development of risk communications about long-term risks such as increased knowledge about PFASs effects on health and the environment, governance, guidelines and support for the development of important communication-factors. The municipalities need to address changes regarding developing a more preventive and proactive way of dealing with long-term risks. Which requires cooperation and guidance from central authorities. Successful risk communication includes key factors such as planning of the information, to recognize the responsibility and involvement of key stakeholders, trust and confidence, a full accounting, presentation of the uncertainties, transparent and an open process, a long-term and proactive risk communication. The importance of a responsible risk communicator is to act immediately and to be accessible at all time.