Risk communication is a complex cross-disciplinary academic field that is part of risk management and related to fields like crisis communication. It is the real-time exchange of information, advice, and opinions between experts or officials and people who face a hazard or threat to their survival, health, or economic or social well-being. The goal of risk communication is to make sure that targeted audiences understand how risks affect them or their communities. Risk communication is particularly important in disaster preparedness, public health, and preparation for major global catastrophic risks.

Effective risk communication involves identifying the target audience and understanding their perceptions, concerns, and beliefs, as well as their knowledge and practices. It also involves analyzing risk and risk perception to communicate effectively and giving great importance to dialogue with affected and targeted populations to help them make the best possible decisions during public health emergencies.

Some of the key features of risk communication include:

• Real-time exchange of information: Risk communication involves the exchange of information, advice, and opinions between experts or officials and people who face a hazard or threat.

• Informed decision-making: The purpose of risk communication is to enable people at risk to make informed decisions to mitigate the effects of a threat (hazard) and take protective and preventive measures.

• Critical tool in emergency preparedness and response: Risk communication is proven to be a critical tool in emergency preparedness and response.

• Part of risk analysis framework: Risk communication in food safety is part of the risk analysis framework, which together with risk assessment and risk management, aims to reduce foodborne illnesses.

• Ongoing process: Risk communication is an ongoing process regardless of the type of risk.

Effective risk communication is essential in most sectors and industries today, both for routine situations and also in times of crisis. It is fundamental to the work of organizations like the EPA, whose mission is to protect human health and the environment.