Public attitudes toward personal and population interventions to reduce air pollution exposure: a 2025 nationwide cross-sectional survey in Poland
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The air in Poland is among the most polluted in Europe. This study aimed to assess public attitudes towards personal and population measures for reducing air pollution exposure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2025 using a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) questionnaire on a representative sample of 1092 adults in Poland, selected through quota sampling. RESULTS: Air pollution in Poland was considered a significant issue requiring action from public authorities by 76.4% of participants. Women (aOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.11-1.96, p = 0.008), participants aged ≥60 years (aOR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.59-3.91, p < 0.001), and residents of cities with populations of 20 000-499 999 (p < 0.05) were more likely to hold this view. The most common protective measures applied in the last 12 months included keeping windows closed during poor air quality episodes (44.2%) and avoiding time outdoors (36.5%). The imposition of fines for burning prohibited materials in domestic furnaces was supported by 70.2% of participants. Support was more likely among participants aged ≥60 years (aOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.03-2.41, p = 0.04), those with higher education (aOR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.18-2.04, p = 0.002), urban residents (p < 0.05), and those with good household economic status (aOR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.02-2.29, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: A gap exists between the perception of air pollution as a significant issue and the willingness to apply appropriate mitigation measures. Public knowledge of the effectiveness of air pollution interventions remains insufficient. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(5).
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $701
OpenAlex ID: W7224103699