[Perception of environmental risks: qualitative study done in the affected by the Aznalcóllar toxic spill area]

This paper is based on a qualitative study undertaken between July and August 1998 among the residents of the area close the mining waste spill that occurred the 25th of April 1998 in Aznalcóllar, Seville, Spain.

To contribute to the identification of some clues about risk perceptions among the population living at the vicinity of the toxic spill, focusing especially on the perceived health risks, the sources of information, their credibility, and the expectations for the future.

Combined qualitative research methodologies were used, including interviews and focal groups.

The findings show the existence of a perception of the economic consequences of the spill. In a second level possible the consequences for the health status were relevant. Perceived health risks referred to long term effects, such as malformations and cancer. No changes in habits and behaviour are expressed. The information comes from the media, even if mistrust and perplexity are associated with the information received. There is low of credibility towards the administration, ecologist groups and the media. The role of the health system appears poorly defined. The perceived absence of an adequate information to the audience is noted, and there is a demand from the affected population for an informed participation in the process of management of environmental risks.

The findings of this work stress the importance of an adequate communication process in the management of health risks associated with environmental hazards. Moreover, it also highlights the need to improve the knowledge about environmental risk perceptions in our country through both quantitative and qualitative research, in the context of the modern risk management and the growing relevance of environmental topics in the social agenda.