What does Germany think about radiation? – Survey 2022

A central component of radiation protection is informing the public about radiation effects and radiation risk as well as about the correct radiation protection behaviour. As a basis for this task, the societal handling of selected radiation topics was recorded within the framework of a biennial investigation. The survey is intended to provide important insights into the environment in which the BfS operates with its scientific work and information and communication measures. The results are used in the design of information and communication measures and, if necessary, to adapt radiation protection concepts to society’s approach to radiation and radiation protection.

The 2021/22 study was the second survey of this kind after 2019. The studies are intended to enable a comparison of the topics covered over time. For this, a part of the questions is continued in each case. A smaller part is adapted to current events or needs for knowledge.

Objective

The aim of the research project was to determine the general social anchoring of radiation and radiation protection as well as the perceptions, knowledge, and information needs of the German population.
In order to achieve these aims, a multi-phase social science study was initiated with the following questions:

• Knowledge and perception of radiation in general
• Risk perception of radiation
• Radiation protection behaviour or intention
• Informational behaviour and needs
• Perception of the BfS and expectations of information measures

Methodology and implementation

To answer the research questions, a two-step research design was chosen.

Within the framework of a qualitative primary data collection, the collective discourse around radiation and the individual perspective on radiation radiation and radiation protection was researched. The following investigations were carried out for this purpose:

• Two group discussions of 2.5 h each and
• 40 individual interviews of 1 h each

Especially individual topics such as barriers, motives, fears, individual knowledge, and (mis)conceptions as well as the individual handling of risks were discussed in depth.

The second step was a quantitative primary data collection. In order to survey a population-representative cross-section of the German-speaking resident population aged 16 and over, 2,000 telephone interviews were conducted based on a dual frame random sample (combined land-line and mobile phone sample). The average length of the interview was 27 minutes.

Results

The qualitative results show a highly heterogeneous spectrum of results in answering the question: "What does Germany think about radiation?". When it comes to comparing types of radiation, knowledge, evaluations, and associated emotions scatter rather strongly not only between respondents but also among individuals.

This heterogeneity can be qualitatively explained by a number of factors:

• Informedness
• Concern
• Affinity for risk
• Trust in state institutions
• General attitude to life
• Sex
• Geographical proximity to potential radiation sources
• Controllability of the exposure
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Perceptibility of the radiation
• Knowledge of protective measures
• Media presence of the respective radiation theme

The quantitative study shows that people feel even better informed and protected by state institutions when it comes to radiation than they did in 2019.

With regard to the associations in the context of radiation, radioactivity and nuclear weapons were mentioned most frequently in the quantitative study. The war in Ukraine has brought the importance of radiological emergency preparedness back into the consciousness of the population. However, in the event of a nuclear accident, many people would not know where to go for information or what to do.

In addition to radioactivity, associations often follow in connection with mobile radio and UV radiation/solar radiation.

In addition, there are also topics in the area of radiation for which there is less concern, namely:

• Radiation in the medical field
• Radiation from high-voltage power lines
• Radiation when flying.

The information behaviour with regard to radiation is mostly passive. As a rule, there is no interest in or need for information, especially in the case of types of radiation that are experienced neither as particularly risky nor as particularly relevant to one's own everyday life or which are considered “established” types of radiation with long-known risks.