Air Pollution and Climate Change: A Pilot Study to Investigate Citizens’ Perception

Abstract

Air pollution and climate change are risk factors for noncommunicable diseases of paramount importance and of major concern in a population. Their complex interaction suggests the need for an integrated and participatory approach by health professionals and citizens. During the Italian BRIGHT-NIGHT (European Researchers’ Night) at the Pisa Research Campus of National Research Council (CNR), a laboratory focusing on environmental epidemiology issues and open to the public was set up. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed, with the aim of investigating the individual perception, knowledge, opinions and attitudes in relation to 12 different environmental, natural and anthropogenic hazards. The questionnaire was completed by 44 subjects aged over 18 years (47.6% female, 56.8% university graduates, 61.4% employed). Air pollution and climate change were considered two priorities for environmental protection and public health by 72.1%, prompting about one third of the subjects to commit to increasing active commuting. The results of this pilot survey indicate a diffuse awareness of air pollution and climate change as main environmental determinants to be tackled in order to protect public health.