Examines risk controversies that highlight a matter of growing prominence in policy more generally. That is the pressure for public involvement in the management of matters of concern, such as climate change or the regulation of genetic engineering that currently rely on expert risk management. Illuminates this state of affairs by examining social theories of risk and work on risk perception. These are used to develop an appreciation of risk policy and decision making, and the related field of risk communication. Also examines public involvement in decision making via a local case study.