In the context of different projects, some participatory methods were used, together with more traditional ones, in a research process aimed at eliciting local knowledge about risks derived from industrial activities. The policy implications of this approach are towards promoting citizen awareness and encouraging their involvement in actions addressed to reducing community vulnerability to risks. The paper illustrates the objectives and methodology of a project on public risk perception and comments on some of its findings. Drawing also from other research experiences, it outlines a set of 'principles' which can guide the interpretation of citizens' concerns and aspirations.