Risk perception of air pollution and behavioral responses: a mapping review of research studies during 2000–2021

Abstract

Air pollution is a key threat to human and ecosystem health. Successfully addressing this problem requires among other measures the active involvement of the population, depending on adequate public awareness and knowledge. This paper reviewed studies on perceptions of outdoor air pollution and behavioral responses in order to synthesize the state-of-the art in this research field and identify key research gaps. Three bibliographic databases were queried for studies published between 2000 and 2021 using standardized search terms. Of 2,616 titles and abstracts screened, 242 articles met the inclusion criteria. Our review revealed a growing interest in this domain of study, while we found a geographical mismatch between countries with poor air quality and those having been intensively researched. Moreover, we identified a lack of qualitative and mixed methods studies. Research also needs to focus more on vulnerable populations, influential subjects and data from online platforms. Among the outcomes investigated by the reviewed studies, there was a dearth of research on perceptions of ecosystem effects of air pollution, the use of air purifiers and relocating as self-protective means and people’s willingness-to-pay for self-protective measures.