Risk Perception of The Public Towards Air Pollution in Urban Turkey

Abstract

Air pollution is a severe environment and health issue that has been long recognised in the city of
Adana, Turkey with acknowledged adverse effects on human well-being. Despite its importance, little is
known about the public perception of air pollution. This study seeks to determine the public perception of
the risks of air pollution in urban Turkey and self-reported experience to limit personal exposure to ambient
air pollution. Data was collected through a survey questionnaire in Adana city centre with a total sample of
200 respondents. The results indicate that perceived risk of air pollution was influenced by sociodemographic factors, location, behavioural intention, self-reported experience, and health variables. The risk
perception of air pollution, especially in urban areas, plays an important role in understanding and predicting
symptoms caused by environmental pollution at relatively low levels. For Turkey to achieve its sustainable
development and in line with the global mission of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 17), healthy air
quality is a major parameter of indicating the status. Additionally, it suggests that the authority could play a
meaningful role in determining an effective policy to reduce the impact of air pollution on the public,
especially in cities affected by air pollution