[Communicating with health authorities and the public about asbestos risk in Biancavilla (CT)]

The high incidence of pleural mesothelioma observed in Biancavilla (Catania) is causally associated to the presence of amphybolic fibres in the volcanic rock used by the local construction industry. This paper examines risk communication in this setting, with respect to presentation of the epidemiologic findings and decision making in the field of environmental clean up. The central issues in communicating with health authorities have been evaluation of the causal link and connections between available knowledge and subsequent action. The public has been rapidly informed, through press and local broadcasting stations. It has been made clear that recommended interventions were of preventive nature, namely paving with asphalt roads that were previously paved with the local quarry's byproducts. It has been stated that expected benefits would be delayed in time. Compliance of the local community may be jeopardized by further delay in the implementation of this intervention.