Social Aspects of Air Pollution : Sociodemographic differences in exposure, perceived annoyance and concern about air pollution

Only abstract. Paper copies of master’s theses are listed in the Helka database (http://www.helsinki.fi/helka). Electronic copies of master’s theses are either available as open access or only on thesis terminals in the Helsinki University Library.Vain tiivistelmä. Sidottujen gradujen saatavuuden voit tarkistaa Helka-tietokannasta (http://www.helsinki.fi/helka). Digitaaliset gradut voivat olla luettavissa avoimesti verkossa tai rajoitetusti kirjaston opinnäytekioskeilla.Endast sammandrag. Inbundna avhandlingar kan sökas i Helka-databasen (http://www.helsinki.fi/helka). Elektroniska kopior av avhandlingar finns antingen öppet på nätet eller endast tillgängliga i bibliotekets avhandlingsterminaler.The main interest of this study is to observe the sociodemographic (gender, age, education and occupational status) differences in personal exposure, perceived annoyance and concern about air pollution, for the purpose of reducing such differences. Another important aim is to compare the measured exposure data with perceived annoyances and concern about air pollution. The target population of this study was adult (25-55 y) inhabitants of Helsinki region. Personal exposures to (n=201) and microenvironment concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were measured during the EXPOLIS study in 1997-1998. An Environmental Attitude Questionnaire (EAQ) survey (n=428) was compiled on the concerns about air pollution and environmental problems in general in December 1998. Information of perceived annoyance (n=677) was collected both with EXPOLIS questionnaires and the EAQ. In addition public discourse in Helsingin Sanomat on air pollution as an environmental risk was elucidated between 1996-2000, since it both reflects and influences public concerns about air pollution. Data were analysed mainly by statistical methods. The strongest sociodemographic factor influencing exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) was occupation, with workers having double the exposure of white-collar employees, and this difference was mostly caused by work exposure. Smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke amplified the socioeconomic exposure differences, but did not explain all of them. The younger (25-34 y) were more exposed to fine particles than the older probably because of differences in time use patterns. Those having less than 14 years of education were more exposed to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) than those having more education in the model adjusted with the other major determinants of NO2 exposure including e.g. exposure to tobacco smoke and living conditions. Concern about air pollution and its health effects increased the perceived annoyance from air pollution. Exposure to air pollution (fine particles and nitrogen dioxide) does not necessarily coincide with annoyance and concern about it. While men and the younger were in average more exposed to these air pollutants, older women were more annoyed by air pollution and concerned about it. Only the less educated were both exposed to high concentrations and very annoyed by air pollution. Health effects of air pollution can be reduced only via understanding the factors that influence the exposure, perceived annoyance and concern. Indirect health effects of air pollution, however, are poorly understood. A holistic view of the different (social and psychological) dimensions of perceived risks and risk propabilities is essential for proper risk management and policies to reduce sociodemographic differences.Opponent: prof. Marja JärveläCustos: prof. Tapani Valkone