Research Article Summary
-
The article investigates whether targeted infographics about low-dose radiation (LDR) can influence public understanding of LDR and support for small modular reactors (SMRs) in Canada.
-
Two types of infographics were developed and tested: one using natural analogies to compare natural vs. artificial radiation sources, and another focusing on LDR protection practices in hospitals and nuclear facilities.
-
The study used pre- and post-infographic surveys and focus groups, analyzed with binary logistic regression, to assess how different infographic designs affected support for SMRs.
-
Results showed that both infographics increased SMR support in Alberta and Saskatchewan, but in Ontario — a province already generating nuclear power — the natural analogy infographic slightly decreased support, demonstrating that communication impacts can vary by context.
-
The authors interpret these results through the social license to operate (SLO) framework, highlighting the need for context-specific engagement strategies when communicating about nuclear technologies and public risk perceptions.