Global Populations Vulnerable to Air Pollution Know Less about Air Quality

Using a nationally representative quota sample of 10,618 participants from 1372 localities from the ten most populous countries in the world (Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States), we assessed the association between fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure and air quality knowledge (AQ-IQ). Additionally, we evaluated which demographics are more vulnerable to PM_2.5 exposure amid a low AQ-IQ. PM_2.5 concentrations were estimated based on satellite observations and data from ground monitoring stations, while AQ-IQ was measured using ten items pertaining to general knowledge, knowledge specific to the air quality index, and knowledge of best practices about air quality. Annual average PM_2.5 levels in these countries varied significantly, ranging from 7.58 μg/m³ in the US to 78.00 μg/m³ in Bangladesh. We found that AQ-IQ is the highest in Mexico and China and the lowest in Bangladesh and Nigeria. Moreover, women, as well as people who live in rural areas, are single, lack a college education, are politically conservative, and currently smoke know less about air quality (p < 0.05). Overall, the findings indicate that people who are most exposed to air pollution are significantly less knowledgeable about air quality.