传统上，处理环境问题的政府机构将公众排除在监管决策过程之外，而主要是在做出决定后选择征求公众意见。面对来自环境污染物的日益严重的健康威胁，以及对影响其生活的决策失去控制的担忧，公众要求参与整个监管过程。最近关于风险沟通的研究为监管机构提供了一个框架，用于开发公众参与的新方法。包括6篇参考文献。

Government agencies dealing with environmental issues have traditionally excluded the public from the regulatory decision-making process, opting instead to solicit public comment mainly after decisions have been made. Faced with increasing health threats from environmental contaminants and fearing a loss of control over decisions that affect their lives, the public is demanding to be involved throughout the regulatory process. Recent research on risk communication offers regulatory agencies a framework for developing new approaches to public involvement. Includes 6 references.