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

Abstract

Exposure to different chemicals is an inevitable part of our everyday lives. Within HBM4EU, focus group discussions were conducted to gather data on citizens’ perceptions of chemical exposure and human biomonitoring. These discussions were hosted in Cyprus, Denmark, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, the Netherlands, and North Macedonia following a protocol developed in the first round of discussions. Results indicate the very high concern of European citizens regarding food safety and the environment. Focus group participants were well aware of potential uptake of chemicals through food consumption (e.g., preservatives, flavor enhancers, coloring agents, pesticides, fertilizers, metals), drinking water, or from polluted air and water. One of the positive aspects identified here, is the high interest of citizens in awareness and education on personal measures to control exposure. The promotion of personal behavioral changes requires active involvement of society (e.g., commuting habits, energy choices, waste disposal, dietary habits). Activities should focus on raising awareness of the general public, implementation of policy measures, and mainstreaming of related topics into the education system. Raising awareness of the general public may promote engagement of citizens, which in turn may empower them to put pressure on politicians to take effective actions. There is also a need for further research which might focus on the impact of country-specific situations and of the COVID-19 pandemic on the exposure of citizens to chemicals.

COVID-19 pandemic influence on perceived exposure to chemical substances in Latvia: data from a focus group discussion and the HBM4EU citizen survey

“…In the citizen survey, 15.4% ( n = 92) mentioned they felt that their exposure to chemicals in the environment (soil, water, air) had decreased. Our study results on this topic support the results of studies carried out previously ( 23 ).…”

“…This indicates that further work and research should be promoted in this area to minimize the amount of waste produced by households. Another proactive activity to minimize household-generated waste would be to raise public awareness of this issue, especially among children, since the impact is not only individual but can also spell over and influence the habits and knowledge of family members – a suggestion brought up by focus group participants in another research paper based on the results of the HBM4EU citizen survey ( 23 ).…”

“…Although there are several studies on the citizens’ perceptions of exposure to chemical substances and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic globally, currently, there are no published data on the situation in Latvia resulting in the research gap. It has also been stressed by the European research community that further research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the exposure of citizens to chemicals should be done ( 23 ). Therefore, this paper provides an additional basis for further policy implications in the protection of European citizens and better preparedness for the management of possible pandemics in the future.…”

Air Pollution and Health: Particulate Matter PM2.5 Measurements in Cantonments, Ghana

“…Comparatively, December 2021 had higher levels than December 2020. Reports suggest 2020 has low levels due to COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions which minimized major vehicular movements [48][49][50][51] . The colour codes on the World Air Quality Project's online platform represent lighted colours for good or fair quality and dim colours for very unhealthy and hazardous respectively.…”

Human-Biomonitoring für Europa (HBM4EU) – erste Einblicke in die Ergebnisse der Initiative

“…Im Rahmen von HBM4EU wurden sogenannte Fokusgruppendiskussionen durchgeführt, bei denen mit Bürger:innen über die Wahrnehmung der Umweltbelastung mit Chemikalien gesprochen wurde. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die europäischen Bürger:innen sehr besorgt über die Lebensmittelsicherheit und die Umwelt sind [14].…”