Environmental health risks perception, attitude, and avoidance behaviour toward municipal solid waste incinerator

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Risk Perception Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• Urban incinerators are critical for waste management but can raise public health concerns.
• Understanding resident perceptions is vital for effective environmental policy and community engagement.
• Taichung, Taiwan, faces challenges integrating industrial facilities with residential areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between risk perception, attitude, and avoidance behaviors concerning an urban incinerator.
• To compare these factors between residents living near an incinerator and a control group.
• To inform public health strategies and environmental management practices.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Two groups were studied: 514 residents near an incinerator (case group) and 264 controls.
• Data were collected via structured interviews and questionnaires.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in risk perception or attitude towards the incinerator were found between the case and control groups.
• Residents living near the incinerator exhibited a significantly higher intention to move within one year or in the future.
• Avoidance behavior, indicated by the desire to move, was more pronounced in the exposed group.

Conclusions:

• While risk perception and attitude did not differ, the increased desire to move suggests indirect impacts of living near an incinerator.
• The findings underscore the importance of addressing community concerns beyond perceived risks and attitudes.
• Encouraging the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) to ensure safe incinerator operation is crucial for resident well-being.