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Table 2 Percentage of persons agreeing or disagreeing with survey statements by category (N = 42)

From: Perceptions of environmental health risks among residents in the “Toxic Doughnut”: opportunities for risk screening and community mobilization

Statement

Strongly agree

Agree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

Government Agencies

I believe there are enough laws to control environmental risks.

14.3

26.2

28.6

31.0

When there is a really serious health problem, the government will do something about it. Until they tell me about a specific problem, I don’t have to worry.

11.9

23.8

33.3

30.9

Environmental Solutions

If people work together, they can change the environment.

64.3

21.4

2.4

11.9

There are things I can do that will make a difference in improving the environment.

57.1

26.2

11.9

4.8

Nothing can be done about environmental problems like hazardous waste and air pollution.

14.3

16.7

11.9

57.1

Environment and Health Risks

Most chemicals cause cancer.

47.6

33.3

11.9

7.1

The risk of getting cancer from things like smoking and diet is much greater than the risk of cancer from chemicals in the environment.

33.3

21.4

16.7

28.6

People can protect themselves against health risks from pollution by improving their individual lifestyle, such as by exercising and eating properly.

33.3

21.4

16.7

28.6

If even a tiny amount of a substance that could make me sick were found in my tap water, I wouldn’t drink it.

45.2

11.9

23.8

19.0

I don’t worry about chemicals because there are just too many other things in my life I have to deal with.

7.1

21.4

19

52.4

I feel I have very little control over risks to my health.

11.9

26.2

14.3

47.6