Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is reminding Victorians they are invited to participate in a free panel discussion tomorrow night about health, risk and making informed choices.
In partnership with RMIT University, Risky business or worried well? The science of what and why we fear will be held from 6–8pm at Kaleide Theatre in Melbourne and streamed live online.
A limited number of seats remain and people wanting to attend in person should register their place.
The event can also be watched live on EPA’s website at www.epa.vic.gov.au/ScienceWeek2016 and online participants can ask questions via email or Twitter, using the #riskywellness hashtag.
EPA’s Health Risk Advisor, Victor Kabay said health advice comes from a range of sources and it can often be difficult for people to consider potential risks and make informed choices.
“The discussion will be about navigating the common difficulties people have in weighing up available evidence and sorting fact from fiction in their quest for health and wellness,” Dr Kabay said.
“Why do some people turn away from soy milk but happily reach for a glass of wine? Or ride a bicycle for fitness despite the potential for an accident?,” he said.
“There are levels of risk in almost everything, but how we assess those risks can often be skewed by conflicting information, fear, or personal biases.”
Dr Kabay said the panel would discuss questions around chemicals, carcinogens, communication and how to make informed decisions amidst uncertainty.
“We hope people leave the discussion feeling more comfortable about weighing up risks,” he said.
Hosted by science journalist and presenter Tanya Ha, the discussion brings together a panel of experts in health and environmental risk, communication and media, including:
- Dr Victor Kabay – Human Health Risk Advisor, EPA Victoria
- Professor Linda Brennan – School of Media and Communication, RMIT University
- Dr Libby Rumpff – School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne
- Andrew Masterson – author and journalist.
Tanya Ha is an award-winning environmentalist, author and television presenter, having previously worked on ABC TV’s respected science show Catalyst.
Dr Kabay said the addition of live-streaming was a first for EPA and meant the event was accessible to people throughout Victoria, regardless of whether they lived or worked in Melbourne.
A sign language interpreter will also be in attendance and clearly visible in the live-stream.
National Science Week (13–21 August) is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology, with thousands of individuals taking part in more than 1000 science events across the nation.