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Wee SY, Aris AZ, Yusoff FM, Praveena SM. Public perception on human exposure risk: A case study on endocrine disrupting compounds in the environment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115830. [PMID: 38141339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to environmental risks owing to the broad usage of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). However, the subjective evaluation of risk levels and characteristics, as well as the variation in risk processing, have not been thoroughly examined. The objective was to understand the public's perception of the risk associated with human exposure to environmental EDCs and identify any variations in risk perception. In this pioneering study conducted within the distinctive social and cultural context of Malaysia, a developing nation, a quantitative analysis approach was employed to assess the subjective evaluation of risk levels and characteristics among the public while developing a risk perception model. Data gathered from surveys and questionnaires were analyzed to gather information on the public's perception of environmental and health issues pertaining to pesticides, hormones, plastics, medicines, and cosmetics. The analysis revealed that the majority of the public assessed the level of human exposure to environmental risks based on experiential processing, which was influenced by cognitive and affective variables. Interestingly, a higher proportion of individuals in the community had a low risk perception of environmental EDCs, surpassing the overall risk perception by 19.3%. Furthermore, the public showed significant awareness of environmental and health issues related to pesticides, hormones, and plastics but had a lesser inclination to acknowledge the vulnerability of humans to risks associated with medicines and cosmetics. These findings suggest that the public is likely to be exposed to environmental EDCs based on their current perceived risks, and that sociopsychological factors play a significant role in shaping perceptions and judgments. This understanding can inform the development of targeted risk management strategies and interventions to mitigate the potential harm caused by environmental EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Yee Wee
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia.
| | - Ahmad Zaharin Aris
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; International Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
| | - Fatimah Md Yusoff
- International Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia; Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Sarva Mangala Praveena
- International Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Cassivi A, Covey A, Rodriguez MJ, Guilherme S. Domestic water security in the Arctic: A scoping review. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 247:114060. [PMID: 36413873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION More than 50 million people living in the Arctic nations remain without access to safely managed drinking water services. Remote northern communities, where large numbers of Indigenous peoples live, are disproportionally affected. Recent research has documented water and health-related problems among Indigenous communities, including poor water quality and insufficient quantities of water. OBJECTIVE The objective of this scoping review is to examine the extent of available water security evidence as well as identify research gaps and intervention priorities to improve access to domestic water in the Arctic and Subarctic regions of the eight Arctic nations (Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, and the United States (Alaska)). METHODS An extensive literature review was conducted to retrieve relevant documentation. Arctic & Antarctic Regions, Compendex, Geobase, Georef, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched to identify records for inclusion. The initial searches yielded a total of 1356 records. Two independent reviewers systematically screened identified records using selection criteria. Descriptive analyses were used to summarize evidence of included studies. RESULTS A total of 55 studies, mostly conducted in Canada and the United States, were included and classified by four predetermined major dimensions: 1) Water accessibility and availability; 2) Water quality assessment; 3) Water supply and health; 4) Preferences and risk perceptions. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review used a global approach to provide researchers and stakeholders with a summary of the evidence available regarding water security and domestic access in the Arctic. Culturally appropriate health-based interventions are necessary to ensure inclusive water services and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets for universal access to water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Cassivi
- Chaire de recherche en eau potable, École supérieure d'aménagement du territoire et de développement régional, Pavillon Félix-Antoine-Savard, 2325 rue des Bibliothèques, Universitè Laval, Quèbec (QC), Canada.
| | - Anna Covey
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Colonel By Hall, 161 Louis Pasteur, University of Ottawa, Ottawa (ON), Canada
| | - Manuel J Rodriguez
- Chaire de recherche en eau potable, École supérieure d'aménagement du territoire et de développement régional, Pavillon Félix-Antoine-Savard, 2325 rue des Bibliothèques, Universitè Laval, Quèbec (QC), Canada
| | - Stéphanie Guilherme
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Colonel By Hall, 161 Louis Pasteur, University of Ottawa, Ottawa (ON), Canada
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Wang S, Pei J, Zhang K, Gong D, Rokpelnis K, Yang W, Yu X. Does Individuals' Perception of Wastewater Pollution Decrease Their Self-Rated Health? Evidence from China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127291. [PMID: 35742549 PMCID: PMC9223579 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Background: This study used original survey data to quantitatively investigate the associations between individuals’ perception of locally present wastewater pollution and their self-rated health. Methods: This research used the data from large-scale surveys covering all the 31 provinces and equivalent administrative units in mainland China and interviewed 6112 participants. The ordered logit method was employed to estimate the models. Results: The results indicated that individuals’ perceptions of local industrial and domestic wastewater pollution significantly decrease their self-rated health. If industrial wastewater pollution was reported, the possibility of the observers indicating lower levels of self-rated current health, comparing to the past year, and comparing with peers, all increased by 26% (p < 0.001), 23% (p = 0.005), and 18% (p = 0.006), respectively. Likewise, perceived domestic wastewater pollution led to the increase by 21% (p = 0.012), 17% (p = 0.034), and 33% (p = 0.000), respectively. Meanwhile, reported industrial wastewater pollution also has an obvious negative effect on individuals’ health performance, such as being more fatigued and upset. Conclusions: The survey clearly shows that Chinese individuals who are aware of water pollution in their living environment tend to experience more negative health outcomes, which adds additional urgency to improving wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Wang
- School of Economics, Minzu University of China, 27 Zhongguancun South Avenue, Beijing 100081, China; (S.W.); (J.P.); (K.Z.); (W.Y.)
- China Institute for Vitalizing Border Areas and Enriching the People, Minzu University of China, 27 Zhongguancun South Avenue, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jipeng Pei
- School of Economics, Minzu University of China, 27 Zhongguancun South Avenue, Beijing 100081, China; (S.W.); (J.P.); (K.Z.); (W.Y.)
| | - Kuo Zhang
- School of Economics, Minzu University of China, 27 Zhongguancun South Avenue, Beijing 100081, China; (S.W.); (J.P.); (K.Z.); (W.Y.)
| | - Dawei Gong
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, 59 Zhongguancun Avenue, Beijing 100872, China;
| | - Karlis Rokpelnis
- Council on International Educational Exchange, 600 Southborough Drive, Suite 104, South Portland, ME 04106, USA;
| | - Weicheng Yang
- School of Economics, Minzu University of China, 27 Zhongguancun South Avenue, Beijing 100081, China; (S.W.); (J.P.); (K.Z.); (W.Y.)
| | - Xiao Yu
- School of Economics, Minzu University of China, 27 Zhongguancun South Avenue, Beijing 100081, China; (S.W.); (J.P.); (K.Z.); (W.Y.)
- China Institute for Vitalizing Border Areas and Enriching the People, Minzu University of China, 27 Zhongguancun South Avenue, Beijing 100081, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-15210595097
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Benameur T, Benameur N, Saidi N, Tartag S, Sayad H, Agouni A. Predicting factors of public awareness and perception about the quality, safety of drinking water, and pollution incidents. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 194:22. [PMID: 34904198 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09557-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Public perception of drinking water quality and safety results from the interaction of multiple factors, including the public engagement, which requires sufficient knowledge and awareness. This issue has yet to be addressed in Algeria. This study investigated the residents' perception and awareness about the drinking water quality, safety, and water pollution events. A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted amongst citizens living in the province of Biskra. Multinomial regression analysis was used to identify the predicted public perception factors about drinking water-related issues. Regardless of the degree of public trust in the drinking water sources, the main drinking water source reported by the participants was tank water (43.3%) followed by tap water (32%). Water quality standards are a measure of the condition of water relative to the contaminants. Water consumption profiles gave priority attention to taste (48.7%), odour (35%), appearance (34.7%), and colour (32%), reflecting a low level of knowledge about the water quality standards. Most of the residents (55.7%) reported a deficient communication about the preventive measures to protect public health. The higher level of education showed a statistically significant impact in discriminating between those who felt very satisfied and dissatisfied participants with the drinking water quality and those who felt between satisfied and dissatisfied (P = 0.023, P = 0.034, respectively). Additionally, education level had a statistically significant role in differentiating trust levels in drinking water quality between two groups, those belonging to either confident or relatively confident and the group of extremely worried respondents, with P = 0.000 and P = 0.000, respectively. Interviewed respondents with certain education levels showed higher trust in the safety of drinking water when compared to those with lower education levels. Gender had a significant role in differentiating the group of respondents who were relatively confident from those who were extremely worried (P = 0.016). The public knowledge about the standards of water quality, safety, and the pollution-related issues remains relatively low. This study is of interest to policy makers and public health authorities who implement actions for water contamination prevention and public health protection. These findings could have national implications and are also applicable, in general context, particularly in low and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Benameur
- College of Medicine, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 380, Al Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nassima Benameur
- Faculty of Exact Sciences and Sciences of Nature and Life, Research Laboratory of Civil Engineering, Hydraulics, Sustainable Development and Environment (LARGHYDE), Mohamed Khider University, Biskra, Algeria
| | - Neji Saidi
- College of Sciences, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 380, Al Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sakina Tartag
- Faculty of Exact Sciences and Sciences of Nature and Life, Research Laboratory of Civil Engineering, Hydraulics, Sustainable Development and Environment (LARGHYDE), Mohamed Khider University, Biskra, Algeria
| | - Hadjer Sayad
- Faculty of Exact Sciences and Sciences of Nature and Life, Research Laboratory of Civil Engineering, Hydraulics, Sustainable Development and Environment (LARGHYDE), Mohamed Khider University, Biskra, Algeria
| | - Abdelali Agouni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit (BPRU), QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Office of Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Adamchick J, Perez AM. Choosing awareness over fear: Risk analysis and free trade support global food security. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2020; 26:100445. [PMID: 33324536 PMCID: PMC7726232 DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2020.100445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Livestock production and global trade are key components to achieving food security, but are bedfellows with the risk for emergence and spread of infectious diseases. The World Trade Organization's Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures outlines provisions for member countries to protect animal, plant, and public health while promoting free trade. The capacity for risk analysis equips countries to increase access to export markets, improve local animal health and food safety regarding known hazards, and build the institutional capacity to respond to unexpected events. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to detect, report, and implement effective response measures to emerging challenges on a local and global scale, and it is crucial that these measures are implemented in a way that supports food production and trade. The use of risk analysis coupled with sound understanding of underlying system dynamics will contribute to resilient and enduring food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Adamchick
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA
| | - Andres M. Perez
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA
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