The last several years have seen an increasing concern about the health effects of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or long-lasting “forever chemicals”) in consumer products and drinking water. As a persuasion and advice communication researcher, Communication Arts Professor Lyn van Swol became interested in applying her research to improve human health. In partnership with her co-PI, Bret Shaw, van Swol applied and received a grant from the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant to study PFAS communication.
“We thought this was a space where good communication was going to be crucial towards giving people meaningful advice to avoid PFAS in their drinking water and improve human health,” van Swol said.
The project has grown into a collaboration with numerous Communication Arts students, including graduate student Rachel Hutchins. She highlights how consumers logically look to Google to find information about PFAS, which makes it all the more important that the available information answers their questions and provides actionable advice.
“Our findings can help public health communicators make decisions about providing information, including striking a good balance between acknowledging risk and providing actionable steps,” Hutchins said.
The team’s results highlight the difference between established best practices and reality, offering recommendations for communicators across all source types to improve their PFAS communication and better aid the public.