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Chemical Exposure: European Citizens’ Perspectives, Trust, and Concerns on Human Biomonitoring Initiatives, Information Needs, and Scientific Results

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  • Maria Uhl

    (Environment Agency Austria, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

  • Ricardo R. Santos

    (Environmental Health Behaviour Lab, Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Joana Costa

    (Environmental Health Behaviour Lab, Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Osvaldo Santos

    (Environmental Health Behaviour Lab, Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
    Unbreakable Idea Research, 2550-426 Painho, Portugal)

  • Ana Virgolino

    (Environmental Health Behaviour Lab, Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • David S. Evans

    (Health Service Executive, Department of Public Health, Merlin Park Regional Hospital, H91N973 Galway, Ireland)

  • Cora Murray

    (Health Service Executive, Environmental Health Service, H91EW40 Galway, Ireland)

  • Maurice Mulcahy

    (Health Service Executive, Environmental Health Service, H91EW40 Galway, Ireland)

  • Dorothy Ubong

    (Public Health England, London SE1 8UG, UK)

  • Ovnair Sepai

    (Public Health England, London SE1 8UG, UK)

  • Joana Lobo Vicente

    (European Environment Agency, 1050 Copenhagen, Denmark)

  • Michaela Leitner

    (Environment Agency Austria, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

  • Silvia Benda-Kahri

    (Environment Agency Austria, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

  • Daniela Zanini-Freitag

    (Environment Agency Austria, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

Abstract

Over the last few decades, citizen awareness and perception of chemical products has been a topic of interest, particularly concerning national and international policy decision makers, expert/scientific platforms, and the European Union itself. To date, few qualitative studies on human biomonitoring have analysed communication materials, made recommendations in terms of biomonitoring surveillance, or asked for feedback in terms of specific biomonitoring methods. This paper provides in-depth insight on citizens’ perceptions of knowledge of biomonitoring, impact of chemical exposure on daily life, and claims on how results of research should be used. Four semi-structured focus groups were held in Austria, Portugal, Ireland, and the United Kingdom (UK). The cross-sectional observational qualitative design of this study allows for better understanding of public concern regarding chemicals, application, and use of human biomonitoring. The main findings of this study include citizens’ clear articulation on pathways of exposure, the demand on stakeholders for transparent decision-making, and sensitivity in communication of results to the public. Validated and trustful communication is perceived as key to empowering citizens to take action. The results can be used to facilitate decision-making and policy development, and feeds into the awareness needs of similar and future projects in human biomonitoring. Furthermore, it also brings to light ideas and concepts of citizens’ in shaping collaborative knowledge between citizens’, experts, scientists, and policy makers on equal terms.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Uhl & Ricardo R. Santos & Joana Costa & Osvaldo Santos & Ana Virgolino & David S. Evans & Cora Murray & Maurice Mulcahy & Dorothy Ubong & Ovnair Sepai & Joana Lobo Vicente & Michaela Leitner & S, 2021. "Chemical Exposure: European Citizens’ Perspectives, Trust, and Concerns on Human Biomonitoring Initiatives, Information Needs, and Scientific Results," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:1532-:d:494438
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Silvia Ruggieri & Sabina Maltese & Gaspare Drago & Simona Panunzi & Fabio Cibella & Fabrizio Bianchi & Fabrizio Minichilli & Liliana Cori, 2021. "Measuring Risk Perception in Pregnant Women in Heavily Polluted Areas: A New Methodological Approach from the NEHO Birth Cohort," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-18, October.
    2. Eleni G. Kleovoulou & Corina Konstantinou & Andria Constantinou & Eelco Kuijpers & Miranda Loh & Karen S. Galea & Rob Stierum & Anjoeka Pronk & Konstantinos C. Makris, 2021. "Stakeholders′ Perceptions of Environmental and Public Health Risks Associated with Hydrocarbon Activities in and around the Vasilikos Energy Center, Cyprus," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Linda Matisāne & Lisbeth E. Knudsen & Joana Lobo Vicente & Maria Uhl & Andromachi Katsonouri & Annick D. van den Brand & Tamar Berman & Mirjana Dimovska & Eleni Anastasi & Anthi Thoma & Szilvia Középe, 2022. "Citizens’ Perception and Concerns on Chemical Exposures and Human Biomonitoring—Results from a Harmonized Qualitative Study in Seven European Countries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-25, May.

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