UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC CONCERNS ABOUT PESTICIDES - AN EMPIRICAL-EXAMINATION

Public concern over pesticides has emerged as a major issue in recent years, but has received relatively little attention from researchers. This paper reports the results of a 1990 telephone survey of a representative sample of residents of the Pacific Northwest concerning a range of pesticide issues. The results indicate a moderately high level of concern over the safety of pesticides, but recognition that some degree of pesticide use is probably necessary. A factor analysis reveals the existence of three underlying dimensions of pesticide attitudes: two very clear dimensions reflecting attitudes toward the "safety" and the "necessity" of pesticide use and a less distinct dimension primarily reflecting "trust" in the food industry's use of pesticides. Although demographic variables are, in general, poor predictors of pesticide attitudes, correlations vary considerably across the dimensions (e.g:, women are significantly more concerned about the safety of pesticides, but no more likely to think that pesticide use is unnecessary, than are men). Suggestions for research which could build upon the findings are offered.