Chemical Exposure: European Citizens’ Perspectives, Trust, and Concerns on Human Biomonitoring Initiatives, Information Needs, and Scientific Results

Abstract

Over the last few decades, citizen awareness and perception of chemical products has been a topic of interest, particularly concerning national and international policy decision makers, expert/scientific platforms, and the European Union itself. To date, few qualitative studies on human biomonitoring have analysed communication materials, made recommendations in terms of biomonitoring surveillance, or asked for feedback in terms of specific biomonitoring methods. This paper provides in-depth insight on citizens’ perceptions of knowledge of biomonitoring, impact of chemical exposure on daily life, and claims on how results of research should be used. Four semi-structured focus groups were held in Austria, Portugal, Ireland, and the United Kingdom (UK). The cross-sectional observational qualitative design of this study allows for better understanding of public concern regarding chemicals, application, and use of human biomonitoring. The main findings of this study include citizens’ clear articulation on pathways of exposure, the demand on stakeholders for transparent decision-making, and sensitivity in communication of results to the public. Validated and trustful communication is perceived as key to empowering citizens to take action. The results can be used to facilitate decision-making and policy development, and feeds into the awareness needs of similar and future projects in human biomonitoring. Furthermore, it also brings to light ideas and concepts of citizens’ in shaping collaborative knowledge between citizens’, experts, scientists, and policy makers on equal terms.

Citizens’ Perception and Concerns on Chemical Exposures and Human Biomonitoring—Results from a Harmonized Qualitative Study in Seven European Countries

“…To address public concern, citizens’ involvement was considered important to capture not just scientific but also societal and policy considerations in assessing the extent of exposure and the risk of health effects related to chemical exposure. There were two rounds of focus group discussions that were organized to obtain a better understanding of the public’s concern about chemicals and their understanding of human biomonitoring across Europe: In Austria, Portugal, Ireland, and the UK in 2018 and 2019 (the results covering analyses of discussions have been published earlier [ 7 ] (further in the text referred to as the first round of the HBM4EU focus groups); In Cyprus, Denmark, the Netherlands, Hungary, North Macedonia, Israel, and Latvia in 2020 and 2021 (further in the text referred to as the second round of the HBM4EU focus groups). …”

Stakeholders′ Perceptions of Environmental and Public Health Risks Associated with Hydrocarbon Activities in and around the Vasilikos Energy Center, Cyprus

“…Despite the above community concerns, the environmental issues surrounding the communities of Vasilikos cannot be fully addressed without the cooperation of both the established industries and the government. Previous studies have shown the mistrust of government agencies and industries [ 2 , 4 , 31 ] and the need for collaborative knowledge between citizens, experts, scientists, and policy makers on equal terms [ 8 ]. In this study, the public blamed both community authorities for wrong decisions and partial flow of information, and the government for the initiative to transform the area into an industrial hub center.…”

“…The process of understanding public perceptions about environmental health hazards, exposures, and health impacts often feeds policy making and decision support systems of public health [ 1 , 2 ]. Residents’ perceptions about environmental hazards in and around industrial contaminated areas (ICS) have always attracted attention [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. For example, the top three environmental issues of concern that may affect respondents’ health in ICS in the USA were chemicals in consumer products, outdoor air quality, and drinking water quality, while the most frequently perceived health issues were respiratory illness, asthma, and cancer [ 2 ].…”

Health Behavior and Planetary Health

“…Enough to say that human (overt and covert) behavior is at the center of concerns regarding human biomonitoring, among other areas of environmental health. Beliefs and attitudes regarding exposure to environmental contaminants, human biomonitoring health communication, community-based biomonitoring screening programs (Uhl et al, 2021), are just a few examples of areas of research and/or applied knowledge requiring the intervention of psychology thought.…”