Public engagement in risks from urban air pollution

Abstract

Air pollution is one of the environmental problems with the greatest impact on the quality of life and well-being of individuals. Many of the interventions aimed at reducing the impacts of pollution on health are intended to promote changes in individuals’ behavior. This article presents the results of a qualitative exploratory study of public perceptions of air pollution. The data were collected from focus groups with lay citizens in the city of Barcelona. The results show the difficulties individuals have in discussing issues related to air quality, the role of sensory cues in the perception of air pollution levels, familiarity with risk, links to mild health problems, the weak connection to a personal risk and the existence of beliefs such as the inability of individuals to limit their exposure to air pollution.