Government, scientists, industry, the media and society in general face increasingly complex challenges in assessing, managing and communicating potential environmental risks. We can now detect compounds at levels previously unimaginable, but scientific studies into the human health consequences of exposure to these compounds can remain uncertain. Against this backdrop, how do we know what risks we should really be worrying about? How should policy makers and regulators decide “safe” levels of exposure? How do we balance the many interests that are affected by regulatory science and legislative policy?

The conference provided Minnesota’s policy makers, agency and industry practitioners, environmental and public health advocates, journalists and citizens the opportunity to shape new approaches to evaluating risks and providing meaningful communications about those risks. 

The program includes keynote presentations by nationally renowned experts Dr. Kimberly Thompson of the Harvard School of Public Health and David Ropeik, a consultant in risk communication and risk perception.

The conference organizing committee includes representatives of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Science, Technology and Public Policy and School of Public Health, the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Dorsey & Whitney, 3M, Xcel Energy, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, and the Minnesota Environmental Initiative.