Representative Population Survey REACH

Representative Population Survey REACH

Main Interest |

On behalf of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), SINE conducted a representative public survey concerning REACH. The chemical law reform entered into force on 1st of June 2007, with REACH standing for the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals. SINE’s task was to assess the risk perception of the German population, meaning: knowledge, handling, and information behavior of the public regarding chemicals and consumer-related products. Based on the results, recommendations for adequate, recipient-oriented risk communication by authorities were framed. The project was realized by SINE in cooperation with Hopp & Partner, an institute from Berlin specialized in communications research.

 

SINE-Mandate |

Tasks managed by SINE included:

  • Assessing the relevance and perception patterns of the public in regard to chemicals in a qualitative prestage study (focus group discussions)
  • Developing a questionnaire for a representative public survey (N = 1000)
  • Identifying knowledge concerning specific usage as well as the information behavior of the public via a telephone survey
  • Formulating recommendations in regard to adequate public risk communication in the field of chemicals and consumer-related products
  • Presentation of results in an interim and final report

 

Methods |

A mix of different methods was used including:

  • Focus group discussions
  • Representative public survey via CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing)
  • Content analysis

 

Results |

The results can be obtained via the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). For further information please contact: Dr. Kerstin Dressel

 

Responsible | Dr. Kerstin Dressel (project leader), Dr. Stefan Böschen, Dr. Michael Schneider, Monika Wastian, Dr. Willy Viehöver