Public Perception of Physical Risks: Effect of the Experience of Repeated Explosion Accidents at a Chemical Plant

Abstract

To explore the influence of experiencing accidental explosions, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted. This paper compares the risk perception characteristics of inhabitants living near a chemical plant at which accidental explosions occurred (group A) and of those living near a plant where no serious accidents have occurred (group B). The survey forms contain the following items: demographics, knowledge about causes of accidental explosion, dread, frequency, and risk rating variables. In addition, participants of group A are asked about their level of participation in physical risk communication. The survey reveals that 1) participants of group A have a greater sense of dread than those of group B; 2) participants of group A are more likely to perceive accidental explosions in chemical plants that occur more frequently; 3) risk rating of physical risks is independent of that of health risks; 4) the “frequency” variable is a key factor that influences decision making whether they participate in physical risk communication or not.