PFAS Risk Communications | AAAS EPI Center
Performance Metrics and Reporting Measuring and monitoring success of communications will provide insight on which tools, tactics, and messages work and which need to be reworked. Track attendance to see which formats, times, venues etc. permit different audiences to participate. Identify any groups who are not being reached or participating. Incorporating tools like website analytics, social media engagement statistics, reach metrics, and focus group feedback into your regular communication plan updates will provide valuable data for adapting a communications plan. Examples include a PFAS webpage with links to good external resources and real- time data updates, PFAS fact sheets with frequently-asked questions, materials available in multiple languages, social media posts with relevant PFAS updates, and meeting minutes from online or public meetings. Responding Reactively Organizations may need to respond reactively to news of PFAS contamination. For instance, Water supplies have been tested by independent agencies (such as universities or environmental interest groups) which identified a potential problem. When this happens, many of the steps for proactive communication still apply. Consider these steps in a crisis situation: Figure 4 - Steps to Responding Reactively
Additional Resources As part of its technical resources for addressing PFAS, the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) published materials on PFAS risk communication and a training video that provide more information on the topics covered here. The Association of State and Territorial Health officials (ASTHO) and the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) developed an online hub of PFAS risk communication resources that includes FAQs for the public, clinicians, legislators and the media as well as communications case studies from a number of states 6 .
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