Air Pollution Health Literacy among Active Commuters in Hamilton, Ontario
Reed Ciarloni1, K Bruce Newbold1
1School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
Summary
Active commuters often lack awareness of air pollution health risks. Most do not adopt protective behaviors, highlighting a need for better environmental health literacy to encourage risk mitigation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental health
- Public health
- Transportation science
Background:
- Active transportation (AT) is promoted for environmental and health benefits.
- However, AT can increase exposure to air pollutants, posing health risks.
- Understanding commuters' awareness of these risks is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess active commuters' understanding of air pollution health risks.
- To determine if commuters engage in behaviors to limit exposure.
- To identify factors influencing protective behavior adoption.
Main Methods:
- Online survey adapted from the Environmental Health Literacy framework.
- Sample of 192 active transportation users in Hamilton, ON.
- Quantitative (frequency tables, cross-tabulations) and qualitative (Health Belief Model, thematic analysis) methods.
Main Results:
- Most active commuters exhibit low self-rated knowledge of air pollution health impacts.
- The majority do not adopt behaviors to limit exposure during commutes.
- Perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy influence protective behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Air pollution is an under-recognized risk among active commuters.
- Environmental health literacy regarding air pollution is low.
- Knowledge about air pollution predicts the adoption of health-protective behaviors.
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