{open_quotes}What you don`t know can`t hurt you{close_quotes}: The right to know and the Shetland Island oil spill
- Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
This paper, an account of the Shetlands Islands oil spill (1993), examines the public health controversies surrounding the spill and the clean-up response. It critically examines the risk management policies of both the United Kingdom and the Shetland Islands Public Health Office, and suggests that the withholding of critical information contributed to increased anxiety and suspicion among the disaster victims. In an attempt to reassure the victims, the policies contributed to an increased air of uncertainty. It is further argued with the withholding of information prevents those who are at greatest risk from participating in critical decisions that may affect their health and livelihoods and asserts that a right-to-know policy is a critical first step in risk management practices.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 111163
- Journal Information:
- Human Ecology, Vol. 23, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: Jun 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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