1. Class Overview ENV H 472 A - ENVIRONMENTAL RISK AND SOCIETY Steven G. Gilbert, PhD DABT Stephanie Wong January 3, 2010

2. ENV H 472 A - ENVIRONMENTAL RISK AND SOCIETY Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-4:50 HSR RR134

3. Introduction and Contact Steven G. Gilbert, PhD, DABT sgg@u.washington.edu sgilbert@innd.org Stephanie Wong wongs@u.washington.edu

4. Steven G. Gilbert, PhD, DABT sgg@u.washington.edu sgilbert@innd.org Institute of Neurotoxicology & Neurological Disorders (INND)

5. Introduction and Contact Stephanie Wong wongs@u.washington.edu

6. Course Introduction This course examines the development and uses of environmental risk analysis, particularly in regard to public health concerns. Environmental risk analysis is practiced within a context of social and cultural values, leading to differing perceptions, rankings of risks, and challenges in effective risk communication.

7. Course Web Site http://www.toxipedia.org/display/ toxipedia/ENV+H+472-572+A+- +Environmental+Risk Toxipedia – www.toxipedia.org

8. Course Goals  Apply principles and concepts associated with risk assessment, risk perception and risk communication to advocacy and special- interest literature.  Demonstrate critical thinking in regard to how the writings of advocacy or special-interest groups distort or misuse scientific information to promote a particular agenda.  Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and original insight regarding a major piece of advocacy or special-interest literature.

9. Course Learning Objectives  Describe the primary components of current risk assessment and risk management procedures used for environmental health hazard evaluation and resolution;  Explain how social and cultural values shape perceptions and communication of environmental risks;  Identify the key aspects public participation processes aimed at resolving environmental risk conflicts;  Apply critical thinking to emerging issues in environmental risk;  Demonstrate "environmental literacy" by being able to evaluate and interpret news media reports of environmental health risk issues.  Apply risk assessment principles to a specific environmental health risk controversy.  Develop risk communication strategy.

10. Assignments and Examinations  Class participation – 10%  Editorial and letter – 10%  Advocacy group interview and write up - 10%  Individual/team project / presentation - 25%  Write up on Toxipedia – 10%  Paper – 20%  Final exam - 15%  Extra credit – attend public talks related to risk assessment

11. Individual/team project / presentation  Graduate students – single  Undergraduate – pairs – please e-mail Stephanie and I – Thursdays partners assigned  Log in Toxipedia

12. 12 A Small Dose of Toxicology See: www.asmalldoseof.org -- smdosesmdose

13. ENV H 472 A - ENVIRONMENTAL RISK AND SOCIETY