Public concerns and behaviours towards solid waste management in Italy

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health
• Risk Perception

Background:

• Solid waste management practices significantly influence public health.
• Understanding public knowledge, perceptions, and practices is vital for effective health interventions.
• Concerns exist regarding potential health risks, including cancer and infectious diseases, linked to improper waste management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate adult knowledge, risk perceptions, and waste management practices in Italy.
• To identify demographic and belief-based factors associated with health concerns related to solid waste.
• To inform the development of targeted educational programs on domestic waste management.

Main Methods:

• A self-administered questionnaire was used.
• A random sample of 1181 adults in Italy participated.
• Data collected included knowledge, risk perceptions (cancer, infectious diseases, allergies), and waste management practices.

Main Results:

• Higher perceived cancer risk from waste burning was noted in females, younger individuals, and those with lower education who linked improper waste management to cancer.
• Physician visits due to fear of disease from poor waste management were associated with lower education, modified dietary habits, belief in links to allergies, higher infectious disease risk perception, and prior education.
• Regular household waste differentiation was linked to higher education, perceived cancer risk from waste burning, and prior information, with no need for further information.

Conclusions:

• Educational interventions are necessary to effectively manage public concerns about the adverse health effects of domestic waste.
• Addressing specific demographic groups and belief systems can enhance the impact of waste management education.
• Public perception of risk is influenced by education, personal experiences, and beliefs about waste-related health outcomes.