Indoor Air Health Risk Perceptions in Australia

A survey of 1,462 people was carried out in Perth, West ern Australia to develop an understanding of the public perception and attitude towards the risk posed by indoor air pollutants. It was found that the public had a limited awareness of the issues involving the health risk posed by indoor air pollutants. The risk was perceived to be low, and a high proportion of the population (90.5%) indicated that they found the risk to be worse but accept able. The sample population indicated that they were not prepared to reduce the risk they perceived by spending money. Whilst the population perceived the health risk of indoor air pollutants to be low, they exhibited a high lev el of concern over the health risks of three specific indoor air pollutants, i.e. asbestos, pesticides and environmen tal tobacco smoke. The public perceived universities and research institutes to be the most credible sources of health-related information although the media was seen as the most important source of information on the health risks of indoor air pollutants.