Evaluation of environmental risks involves several subjective elements, including the individual reaction to the mere presence of such risks. We have carried out a study of students participating in postgraduate courses in environmental and occupational medicine and of medical students. They received a form that contained twelve statements and were asked to indicate whether they agreed or disagreed with these statements. Almost half of the medical students agreed that one must count on developing cancer if one is exposed to a carcinogenic chemical. Responses to other statements were also contrary to the basic principle of the dose-response relationship. A majority in both groups disagreed with the statement that people are unnecessarily concerned about small amounts of pesticides in the environment. Compared to the medical students, the postgraduate students were more sceptical and less concerned regarding environmental risks. These results are in general agreement with a study carried out in the US using the same statements. The results are an indication that we do not necessarily react the same way with regard to information on risks. When communicating such information, the needs and the background of the audience must be appreciated.