Public Perceptions of Air Quality in a County in Ohio
Abstract
Introduction: Decisions to protect health and well-being are influenced by public perceptions of air quality. To fill a gap in the literature, this descriptive study examined air quality perceptions in northwest Ohio and compared self-reports of air quality with the air quality index (AQI). Additionally, the perceptions of younger, middle-aged, and older participants were compared.
Methods: Survey questions were adapted from two previous research studies and distributed online to individuals who resided or worked in Lucas County.
Results: The 181 participants were primarily white, female, college graduates with a mean age of 38 years. Most participants perceived the air quality in August 2020 to be unhealthy for sensitive groups or moderate, whereas based on the AQI, 65% of the days in August were categorized as good and only 35% as moderate. Approximately 40% of participants stated that they or their family members had health problems exacerbated by poor air quality. Participants reported they were very likely or likely to stay inside if they knew the air quality was “bad” or “unhealthy”. Although many participants checked the sky, smelled the air, or used a weather app to determine air quality, more older adults relied on TV or radio reports while middle-aged adults looked online.
Conclusions: Local agencies may benefit from understanding air quality perceptions, and their relationship to AQI, to support air quality management practices. The public, and particularly vulnerable populations, should be informed about air quality tracking tools and how to alter their behaviors if necessary.
How to Cite:
Konopka, A., Ames, A., Steiner, V., Wolf, K., Lopez, A. & Valigosky, M., (2025) “Public Perceptions of Air Quality in a County in Ohio”, Ohio Journal of Public Health 7(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.18061/ojph.v7i2.10124
Rights: Ashleigh Konopka, April Ames, Victoria Steiner, Kathleen Wolf, Alexa Lopez, Michael Valigosky
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