Understanding outrage: how scientists can help bridge the risk perception gap.

entists would portray them. The press tends to present these risks from the general public's perspective. This paper describes a widely used approach to understanding how the views of scientists and the public differ and gives an example of how the gap between these views can be bridged. Because the media's presentation of envi? ronmental health issues is key in establish? ing the terms of public discourse, such an approach can further fruitful dialogue in the policymaking process. The task is to help define a research agenda for protecting children?and thus all of us?from environmental health haz?