Air pollution and perception-based averting behaviour in the Jinchuan mining area, China

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Health Economics
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Air pollution poses significant health risks, necessitating understanding of individual protective behaviors.
• Perception of health risks from air pollution influences averting strategies.
• The Jinchuan mining area in China serves as a case study for health risk perception and averting behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a knowledge and perception-based averting behavior model for health risks from air pollution.
• To quantify the impact of perceived air pollution on averting behaviors, including activity adjustments and expenditures.
• To determine the willingness to pay for improved air quality.

Main Methods:

• Development of a simultaneous equation model incorporating knowledge and perception.
• Distinguishing between different types of averting behaviors (equipment purchase, medication/food purchase, activity adjustment).
• Distinguishing between perceived risks based on exposure intensity and pollutant hazardousness.

Main Results:

• A perceived increase in air pollution of two or more days per week results in approximately 90 minutes reduction in weekly outdoor activities per person.
• Average annual household expenditure on air filters, foods, or medicines for air pollution prevention is 206.25 CNY (US$ 31.73).
• The total willingness to pay for air quality improvement is estimated at 2.95% of annual net household income.

Conclusions:

• Daily disclosure of air quality information is an effective short-term policy to guide residents' risk-reducing actions.
• Understanding perception-based averting behaviors is crucial for public health strategies in polluted areas.
• Economic valuation of air quality improvement highlights the significant societal benefit of pollution reduction investments.