The effect of misunderstanding the chemical properties of environmental contaminants on exposure beliefs: A case involving dioxins

► We surveyed residents of a community with known dioxin contamination. ► The survey explored residents' mental models of dioxins and exposure pathways. ► Many community residents appear not to understand that dioxins are hydrophobic. ► Mistrust of government predicts beliefs that dioxins are present in water. ► Beliefs about dioxins in water predict beliefs about water-based exposure pathways.