Science communication on the public health risks of air pollution: a computational scoping review from 1958 to 2022

Abstract

Background Air pollutants are a health risk for the entire population. Particulate matter (PM) including the smallest fraction, ultra-fine particles (UFP), therefore continue to be the focus of scientific research in this area. To protect the population from the harmful effects of exposure to PM, communication and information of research results are of special relevance as individuals with heightened awareness of the harms of poor air quality are more likely to take action to improve their exposure. Methods We conducted a scoping review of the scientific literature on science communication of public health information about risks associated with air pollutants to generate an initial over-view of existing research in this field. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases and analyzed the data using a structured topic modeling (STM) approach. Results The existing scientific literature dates back to 1958 but increases significantly from the 1990s onwards. Publications are mainly found in the discipline of environmental research and are primarily concerned with health effects. It is often stated that adequate communication of the results to the public would be important, but specific approaches are rare. Overall, the topic of risk communication seems to be underrepresented for both air pollutants and UFP. Conclusions To protect public health, it is important to conduct more intensive science and risk communication related to scientific findings on the risks of air pollutants. For adequate communication and information, further research is needed to provide specific approaches that also involve the affected population and take different target groups into account. In addition, the effectiveness of communication efforts should also be analyzed.

Health Literacy and Environmental Risks Focusing Air Pollution: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in Germany

“…The relationship between HL and environmental issues has already been investigated in numerous studies throughout the world [41]. This study is the first to provide data on this relationship in Germany.…”

“…There is rather a need to actively impart and increase the knowledge of information sources, and greater attention must be paid to ensuring that the population is aware of opportunities to obtain such information themselves. Furthermore, HL initiatives must not rely solely on people searching for information on their own initiative, but it must be focused on the active transfer of knowledge, as training courses, for example, have proven to be very effective measures for increasing HL, as has been proven in the context of environmental risks in other countries [41]. For this reason, it is advisable for the German population to focus on the possibility of promoting HL, such as by offering relevant instruction in schools or community centers in order to make the population more aware of these risks and to promote individual action, including taking protective measures as needed.…”

“…In addition, environmental issues with regard to air pollutants and particulate matter have also been examined in the context of HL. A preliminary systematic review of the scientific literature found 24 studies that analyzed the relationship between HL and environmental issues [41]. Half of the studies analyzed HL in the general population, while the other half looked at specific populations such as students, parents, or patients.…”

“…Of the studies included in the review, only three related to air pollutants, and only one study, by Hou et al 2021, was conducted specifically on PM. The review also showed that HL was measured differently in each study, so there is no standardized method of measurement [41].…”

An Assessment of the Multidimensional Drivers and Determinants of Public Risk Perception of and Behaviors Related to Exposure to Air Pollution in Serbia

“…Additionally, effective communication of scientific results should provide relevant and comprehensible information for the general public. A limited number of scientific studies have focused on public health information and communication regarding the risks associated with air pollutants, particularly ultra-fine particles [44]. Despite certain policies implying suitable mitigation measures to reduce emissions and increase air quality, changes happen very slowly and should be supported by individual action [45].…”