Air pollution perception bias: Mismatch between air pollution exposure and perception of air quality in real-time contexts

Air pollution perception biases hinder the public's awareness of actual air quality. Past studies that examined the association and mismatch between actual and perceived air quality neglected individuals’ dynamic exposure and their activity, travel, spatial, temporal, and social contexts. Using data collected with real-time air pollutant sensors and ecological momentary assessment (EMA), this study investigated the association and mismatch between momentary air pollution exposure and perceived air quality. It also examined how activity type, travel mode, spatial and temporal contexts, and social factors contribute to this disparity. The results show that exposure to air pollution is significantly higher in residential areas (1.777 μg/m3) and transportation land-use areas (2.863 μg/m3) compared to commercial areas. Exposure in the evening is 1.308 μg/m3 higher than in the afternoon. Working or studying activities are associated with 2.863 μg/m3 lower exposure, and individuals perceive air quality as good when working or studying and in residential areas. Conversely, individuals assess air quality as poor in railway travel contexts and being accompanied by friends. This study also reveals the nonstationary association between air pollution exposure and perceived air quality. The odds of underestimating air pollution are 1.8–2.7 times as high as that in residential areas and 2.1 to 2.6 times that in transportation land-use areas when compared to commercial areas. Implementing targeted mitigation measures in these contexts can enhance public awareness of air pollution.