Place-based stressors associated with industry and air pollution

The perception of air pollution and its health risk: a scoping review of measures and methods

BACKGROUND

Although there is increasing awareness of the health risks of air pollution as a global issue, few studies have focused on the methods for assessing individuals' perceptions of these risks. This scoping review aimed to identify previous research evaluating individuals' perceptions of air pollution and its health effects, and to explore the measurement of perceptions, as a key resource for health behaviour.

METHODS

The review followed the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. PubMed and Web of Science were searched. After initial and full-text screening, we further selected studies with standardised scales that had previously been tested for reliability and validity in assessing awareness and perceptions.

RESULTS

After full-text screening, 95 studies were identified. 'Perception/awareness of air quality' was often measured, as well as 'Perception of health risk.' Only nine studies (9.5%) used validated scaled questionnaires. There was considerable variation in the scales used to measure the multiple dimensions of risk perception for air pollution.

CONCLUSION

Few studies used structured scales to quantify individuals' perceptions, limiting comparisons among studies. Standardised methods for measuring health risk perception are needed.

Perception Matters: Perceived vs. Objective Air Quality Measures and Asthma Diagnosis among Urban Adults

Urban air pollution is consistently linked to poorer respiratory health, particularly in communities of lower socioeconomic position (SEP), disproportionately located near highways and industrial areas and often with elevated exposures to chronic psychosocial stressors. Fewer studies, however, have considered air pollution itself as a psychosocial stressor and whether pollution may be impacting health through both direct physiologic and psychosocial pathways. We examined data on perceived air pollution exposures from a spatially representative survey of New York City adults through summer and winter 2012 (n = 1183) using residence-specific ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure estimates. We used logistic regression to compare associations for perceived and objective air quality on self-reported asthma and general health, adjusting for sociodemographics and mental health. In models including all exposure metrics, we found small but significant associations for perceived air quality (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.22) but not for NO2 or PM2.5. Neither perceived nor objective pollution was significantly associated with self-reported general health. Results suggest that perceived air quality may be significantly associated with adult asthma, more so than objective air pollution and after adjusting for mental health-associations not observed for self-reported general health.

The relationship between 5G technology affordances, consumption values, trust and intentions: An exploration using the TCV and S-O-R paradigm

5G mobile communication technology is anticipated to merge with many other sectors, spurring innovation and creating substantial ripple effects. Despite the significance of this advancement, current research provides limited knowledge of users' behavioral reactions to the affordances, values, and trust generated from 5G technology. To investigate this relationship, this study used the Stimulus-response theory and the consumption values theory. The empirical data was gathered from 373 consumers in China using a survey method. To validate the model's suggested relationships, the author utilized the partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique. The finding designates that the affordances and purchase intention relationship was mediated by consumption values and trust. Given the significance of 5G technology and its potential, this study investigates what drives and deters consumers from obtaining 5G technology. Original findings insights on the role of affordances in developing marketing strategies and increasing consumer intentions to purchase 5G technology products.

Modeling Consumer’s Switching Intentions Regarding 5G Technology in China

Switching from current technology to disruptive technology entails advantages, sacrifices, and a variety of other considerations that are not encountered in the case of 5G technology. Therefore, this paper investigates consumers’ intention to shift to 5G in the light of disruptive technology innovation. An extended value-based adoption model (VAM) was used to examine the user’s switching intentions (SIs) from 4G (Existing) technology to 5G (Disruptive) technology. The proposed model was examined on data set from 361 Chinese users using the partial least squares-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The outcomes illustrate the significant correlation between perceived switching benefits (PSBs) and perceived switching sacrifices (PSSs) on perceived sustainability values (SVs), which further impacts users’ SIs. Furthermore, the findings show that users perceived agility (PA) and absorptive capability (AC) moderates and encourages SIs. These findings have important implications for theory and practice. The outcomes of this research will be helpful to telecoms firms in developing consumer retention strategies. Some limitations and future research directions are also explored for scholars.

Does industrial transfer policy mitigate carbon emissions? Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China

In this paper, we identify the causal effects of the industrial transfer policy (ITP) on carbon emissions. Specifically, we treat the demonstration zones of undertaking industrial transfer in China as a quasi-natural experiment and evaluation its carbon mitigation effects using the difference-in-differences (DID) and matching DID strategies. Our findings suggest that the ITP exerts a significant negative impact on carbon emissions. In particular, both the DID and matching DID estimates indicate that the ITP leads to mitigate carbon emissions by approximately 4.9 and 4.7 million tons, respectively. We also investigate the heterogeneous carbon mitigation effects of the ITP. Moreover, various checks and falsification tests are also presented to confirm the causal effects, including the placebo test, concurrent events test, alternative measures of the ITP and carbon emissions, alternative estimation method and matching technique. The results indicate that our key conclusion, the carbon mitigation effect of the ITP is robust. These results indicate that policymakers should seize the carbon mitigation dividend of the ITP to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality. Policymakers should also reduce the regional development differences, improve the level of opening to the outside world, strengthen the construction of green demonstration zones for industrial transfer to mitigate carbon emissions.

Adverse Health Impacts of Living Near an Oil Refinery in Jordan

INTRODUCTION

Air pollution can adversely affect the health of communities and manifest as a variety of symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at assessing health symptoms among populations living near an oil refinery in Jordan.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted utilizing convenient random sampling at Al-Hashimeya town (where the refinery is located) and Bal'ma town (about 12 km further away from refinery). A total of 486 participants were recruited for the study. The data were checked, coded, and entered to excel sheet and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 20 for further analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors. Variables having a P ⩽ 0.25 were fitted to multivariate logistic regression so as to assess the presence and strength of associations between socio-demographic characteristics and health symptoms and outcomes. A P value < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance.

RESULTS

In the cross tabulation analysis, there were significant differences in the reported respiratory health problems and history of abortions in the family between residents in the 2 towns (P < 0.05). Only 4.7% of Al-Hashimeya residents were extremely enjoying their town compared to 32.9% among Bal'ma residents (P < 0.001). In addition, residents of Al-Hashimeya were at several folds higher risk to have phlegm and about 3 times more likely to have skin problems compared to participants from Bal'ma (P < 0.001). Furthermore, reporting asthma was substantially higher among Al-Hashimeya residents (odds ratio [OR] = 5.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.11-12.84), and they were more likely to perceive the neighboring oil refinery industry as the leading cause of their health problems than Bal'ma residents (OR = 86.40; 95%CI: 45.95-162.44).

CONCLUSION

Residents living close to the oil refinery industry in Jordan report adverse impacts on their health, including respiratory problems, skin diseases, and perception of poor health.

The effect of PM2.5 exposure and risk perception on the mental stress of Nanjing citizens in China

The multidimensional characteristics and temporal dynamics of environmental risks have stimulated a social-scientific approach towards air pollution issues in recent decades. It's now widely acknowledged that air pollution has an ineligible influence on the psychological wellbeing of citizens beyond its well-established physical impact. We explored how fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), an essential air pollutant associated with morbidity and mortality, interacted with aspects of risk perception to influence citizen's mental stress level. Questionnaire data from 508 Nanjing citizens in China were collected across four seasons within an 18-month period. We found no evidence that mental stress was directly influenced by real-time PM_2.5 exposure. However, path analysis revealed that mental stress was subjected to the indirect influence of physical symptoms (β = 0.076, p = 0.11), by increasing perceived effect on health and increasing attribution to indoor pollution sources (β = 0.038, p = 0.005). Indoor attribution of PM_2.5 pollution was associated with perceived familiarity with risk (β = -0.095, p = 0.033), whereas outdoor attribution was associated with perceived control of risk (β = 0.091, p = 0.041). Public risk acceptable rate (PRAR) decreased as PM_2.5 concentration increased. In females, but not males, greater trust for government was associated with the increased acceptance of PM_2.5 (Year₂₀₁₇: β = -0.19, p = 0.003; Year₂₀₂₂: β = -0.21, p < 0.001). Using psychological statistical methods, our study implied that air pollution has a substantial association with psychological wellbeing in various ways, which might provide some references for public healthcare and risk communication.

In Our Backyard: Perceptions About Fracking, Science, and Health by Community Members

Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction (fracking) has increased in the United States, as well as interest in the associated risks and benefits. This study’s purpose was to qualitatively examine residents’ perceptions about UOG development in their community. Fifteen interviewees involving residents of Garfield County, Colorado, a drilling-dense region, were transcribed and analyzed. The study found six themes: (1) health concerns, both human and animal, (2) power struggles between government and industry/between industry and residents, and (3) perception and some acceptance of increased risk. Less common themes were (4) reliance on science to accurately determine risk, (5) frustration with potential threat and loss of power, and (6) traffic and safety concerns. Community perceptions of UOG development are complex, and understanding the position of community members can support the need for additional public health research and impact assessments regarding community exposures from UOG drilling operation exposures.

Neighborhood Parks and Recreationists' Exposure to Ozone: A Comparison of Disadvantaged and Affluent Communities in Los Angeles, California

Urban parks are valued for their benefits to ecological and human systems, likely to increase in importance as climate change effects continue to unfold. However, the ability of parks to provide those myriad benefits hinges on equitable provision of and access to green spaces and their environmental quality. A social-ecological approach was adopted in a study of urban park use by recreationists in the City of Los Angeles, contrasting two affluent and two disadvantaged communities situated in coastal and inland zones. Twenty-four days of observations distributed across morning and afternoon time blocks were gathered, with observations in each day drawn from a pair of affluent and disadvantaged community parks. Observers noted location, gender, age, ethnicity/race, and level of physical activity of each visitor encountered during four scheduled observation sweeps on each day of field work. In addition, ozone dose exposure was measured through passive monitoring. Ozone dose exposure was calculated using average hourly ozone in ppb multiplied by METS (metabolic expenditures). Dose exposure was significantly higher in the disadvantaged community parks (with majority Latino use). Findings suggest that additional monitoring in disadvantaged communities, especially inland, may be prudent to facilitate community-based information as well as to assess the degree of potential impact over time. Additionally, mitigative strategies placed in urban parks, such as increased tree canopy may help to reduce the degree of risk and improve community resilience. Future research examining the positive outcomes from physically active use of urban parks may benefit from adopting a nuanced approach in light of the present findings.

Understanding and Improving Arterial Roads to Support Public Health and Transportation Goals

Arterials are types of roads designed to carry high volumes of motorized traffic. They are an integral part of transportation systems worldwide and exposure to them is ubiquitous, especially in urban areas. Arterials provide access to diverse commercial and cultural resources, which can positively influence community health by supporting social cohesion as well as economic and cultural opportunities. They can negatively influence health via safety issues, noise, air pollution, and lack of economic development. The aims of public health and transportation partially overlap; efforts to improve arterials can meet goals of both professions. Two trends in arterial design show promise. First, transportation professionals increasingly define the performance of arterials via metrics accounting for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and nearby residents in addition to motor vehicle users. Second, applying traffic engineering and design can generate safety, air quality, and livability benefits, but we need evidence to support these interventions. We describe the importance of arterials (including exposures, health behaviors, effects on equity, and resulting health outcomes) and make the case for public health collaborations with the transportation sector.

An Overview of Literature Topics Related to Current Concepts, Methods, Tools, and Applications for Cumulative Risk Assessment (2007-2016)

Cumulative risk assessments (CRAs) address combined risks from exposures to multiple chemical and nonchemical stressors and may focus on vulnerable communities or populations. Significant contributions have been made to the development of concepts, methods, and applications for CRA over the past decade. Work in both human health and ecological cumulative risk has advanced in two different contexts. The first context is the effects of chemical mixtures that share common modes of action, or that cause common adverse outcomes. In this context two primary models are used for predicting mixture effects, dose addition or response addition. The second context is evaluating the combined effects of chemical and nonchemical (e.g., radiation, biological, nutritional, economic, psychological, habitat alteration, land-use change, global climate change, and natural disasters) stressors. CRA can be adapted to address risk in many contexts, and this adaptability is reflected in the range in disciplinary perspectives in the published literature. This article presents the results of a literature search and discusses a range of selected work with the intention to give a broad overview of relevant topics and provide a starting point for researchers interested in CRA applications.

Residential segregation and racial disparities in self-rated health: How do dimensions of residential segregation matter?

Previous research on segregation and health has been criticized for overlooking the fact that segregation is a multi-dimensional concept (i.e., evenness, exposure, concentration, centralization, and clustering) and recent evidence drawn from non-black minorities challenges the conventional belief that residential segregation widens racial health disparities. Combining a survey data (n = 18,752) from Philadelphia with the 2010 Census tract (n = 925) data, we examine two theoretical frameworks to understand why the association of segregation with health may differ by race/ethnicity. Specifically, we investigate how each dimension of segregation contributed to racial disparities in self-rated health. We found (1) high levels of white/black concentration could exacerbate the white/black health disparities up to 25 percent, (2) the white/Hispanic health disparities was narrowed by increasing the level of white/Hispanic centralization, and (3) no single dimension of segregation statistically outperforms others. Our findings supported that segregation is bad for blacks but may be beneficial for Hispanics.

Spatial analysis of volatile organic compounds in South Philadelphia using passive samplers

Select volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured in the vicinity of a petroleum refinery and related operations in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, using passive air sampling and laboratory analysis methods. Two-week, time-integrated samplers were deployed at 17 sites, which were aggregated into five site groups of varying distances from the refinery. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (BTEX) and styrene concentrations were higher near the refinery's fenceline than for groups at the refinery's south edge, mid-distance, and farther removed locations. The near fenceline group was significantly higher than the refinery's north edge group for benzene and toluene but not for ethylbenzene or xylene isomers; styrene was lower at the near fenceline group versus the north edge group. For BTEX and styrene, the magnitude of estimated differences generally increased when proceeding through groups ever farther away from the petroleum refining. Perchloroethylene results were not suggestive of an influence from refining. These results suggest that emissions from the refinery complex contribute to higher concentrations of BTEX species and styrene in the vicinity of the plant, with this influence declining as distance from the petroleum refining increases.

IMPLICATIONS

Passive sampling methodology for VOCs as discussed here is employed in recently enacted U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Methods 325A/B for determination of benzene concentrations at refinery fenceline locations. Spatial gradients of VOC concentration near the refinery fenceline were discerned in an area containing traffic and other VOC-related sources. Though limited, these findings can be useful in application of the method at such facilities to ascertain source influence.

Place-based perceptions of the impacts of fracking along the Marcellus Shale

We examined community perspectives and experiences with fracking in Doddridge County, West Virginia, USA as part of a larger assessment to investigate the potential health impacts associated with fracking in neighboring Maryland, USA. In November 2013, we held two focus groups with community residents who had been impacted by fracking operations and conducted field observations in the impacted areas. Employing grounded theory, we conducted qualitative analysis to explore emergent themes related to direct and indirect health impacts of fracking. Three components of experience were identified, including (a) meanings of place and identity, (b) transforming relationships, and (c) perceptions of environmental and health impacts. Our findings indicate that fracking contributes to a disruption in residents' sense of place and social identity, generating widespread social stress. Although community residents acknowledged the potential for economic growth brought about by fracking, rapid transformations in meanings of place and social identity influenced residents' perceptions of environmental and health impacts. Our findings suggest that in order to have a more complete understanding of the health impacts of fracking, future work must consider the complex linkages between social disruption, environmental impacts, and health outcomes through critical engagements with communities undergoing energy development.