Degree Name
MSEH (Master of Science in Environmental Health)
Program
Environmental Health
Date of Award
12-2004
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Kenneth Z. Silver
Committee Members
David M. Close, Phillip R. Scheuerman
Abstract
A prolonged siting controversy for a uranium enrichment facility has occurred in the Town of Unicoi, Tennessee. One hundred-seventy residents of Unicoi were interviewed using a questionnaire regarding the building of a proposed uranium enrichment facility for Unicoi. The questionnaire sought to determine relationships between residents’ risk perceptions and 18 variables. When the Fisher’s exact procedure was applied at α< 0.05, the results indicated several associations. Odds ratio measured the strength of association. Results are reported as crude measures of association. Risk perceptions were influenced by the choice of possible locations for the facility [p=0.0003; OR=32.6]. Residents' risk perceptions were associated with a history of working with nuclear materials [p=0.0476; OR=3.2]. Finally, risk perceptions were associated with residents' beliefs that the nuclear facility would affect their health [p=0.0001; OR=18.8]. These results are discussed in light of risk perception and communication theories.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Sellards, Shannon Kathleen, "Risk Perceptions of Adults in the Town of Unicoi, Tennessee, Regarding the Possible Building of a Uranium Enrichment Plant." (2004). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 959. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/959
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.