ABSTRACT
The application of science and technology in the public health field has lessened people's exposure to many risks. In epidemiology, one commonly used measure is relative risk, defined as the ratio of the risk of an event among the exposed, to the risk among the unexposed. In public health policy and practice, the tendency has been to apply the objective, factual and rational view of risk to health behaviour and decision-making. Much of the debate in public health policy and practice about risk, risk avoidance through preventive action and risk-taking is presented in terms of individual behaviours. The precautionary principle, is rarely applied in the contexts although often put forward as a tool for assessing and managing the types of environmental risks. It seems likely that risk assessment, communication and management will continue to be core aspects of public health work. Risk perception and appraisal among young people has received considerable attention in recent years.
