A variety of disciplines engage in risk communication (e.g. health care, public health, environmental agencies, and industry). Each has a slightly different purpose and theoretical background. However, common to all risk communication is the need to do more than disseminate information.

The National Research Council (1989) defined risk communication as "...an interactive process of exchange of information and opinions among individuals, groups, and institutions; often involves multiple messages about the nature of the risk or expressing concerns, opinions, or reactions to risk messages or to the legal and institutional arrangements for risk management. [1]"

Health risk communication:

• identifies the community’s concerns and responds to them
• reduces tension between the community and personnel belonging to the institution
• explains health risks to the community more effectively
• provides an opportunity to communicate risks in a planned way, while remaining sensitive to the needs of the community
• incorporates the community into the risk management process
• helps to establish trust and alleviate fear and outrage

Risk communication is challenging, because it requires understanding. "Risks" are often highly complex and based on an ever-changing scientific knowledge base. Therefore risk information must be conveyed in ways that support effective information processing and include potential solutions or action steps. It is important that risk communications are built on findings from scientific studies of risk communication. Public health professionals must understand the needs of the community and be capable of facilitating dialog about technical aspects of public health risks. They must also be able to identify the psychological, political, social, and economic needs of the community.