Accurate, timely information can be a powerful tool to mitigate harmful effects of air pollution. While national guidelines for environmental risk communication – based on risk and crisis communication principles – exist, little is known how these are operationalized, nor about the effectiveness of existing communication efforts.
This poster aimed to identify and critically evaluate public sources of information about the causes and controllability of air pollution and its health effects, and potential disparities in information reach and utility.
The poster aims to bring a change and make people aware of the risks of air pollution.
Local authorities need to improve their co-ordination and collaboration, the role of the mass-media needs to be considered carefully, air quality needs to be better described and its implications for individuals spelled out and certain public groups need special consideration. In addition, local authorities need more guidance on communicating air quality, possibly through a best practice guide. Further research is required to identify the best descriptors for air quality, to improve the effectiveness of public advice during episodes of poor air quality and to use public air quality information to effect behavioral changes.
Hrdaya Manwani 