{open_quotes}What you don`t know can`t hurt you{close_quotes}: The right to know and the Shetland Island oil spill

Journal Article · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Human Ecology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01191651· OSTI ID:111163

Button, G V ^[1]

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1. 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, Journal Name: Human Ecology Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 23; ISSN 0300-7839; ISSN HMECAJ
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
OIL POLLUTION CONTAINMENT
OIL SPILLS
PUBLIC ANXIETY
PUBLIC HEALTH
PUBLIC INFORMATION
RISK ASSESSMENT
UNITED KINGDOM