6 out of 10 French people say they are worried about the deterioration of air quality and the impact of this phenomenon on their health.
- 6 out of 10 French people say they are worried about citizens in general (65%) and for themselves in particular (61%) regarding the quality of the air in their place of life.
- The anxiety-provoking effect of air pollution is greater on French people who are parents and who live in the Paris metropolitan area.
- Air pollution is mostly seen as a danger to everyone’s health.
On the occasion of National Clean Air Day this Saturday, October 14, the Breathe association initiated a study on the feelings of the French regarding this issue.
Air quality: a subject of concern for the French
“This survey made it possible to assess our population’s knowledge of air quality and their perception of the harmful effects of atmospheric pollution,” specify the activists in a press release.
“A large majority of French people say they are satisfied with the air quality in their environment. However, this is a subject that greatly concerns them”, they continue. 6 out of 10 respondents say they are concerned for citizens in general (65%) and for themselves in particular (61%) regarding the quality of the air in their place of life.
Air quality: parents increasingly worried
“This study also shows that the anxiety-provoking effect of air pollution is greater among French people who are parents and who live in the Paris metropolitan area,” can we read in the report. 71% of parents of children under 15 are indeed worried about themselves (vs. 61% of French people) and more than three-quarters are worried about their children (77% vs. 59%).
For most of those questioned, the main culprits of air pollution are industry (83%) and transport – i.e. air traffic (78%), petrol or diesel thermal vehicles (75%). ) and maritime traffic (71%).
Poor air quality is seen as a health hazard
Furthermore, air pollution is mostly perceived as a danger to the health of all, and in particular of the most vulnerable. 89% of French people indicate that they are aware that infants and young children are more vulnerable to this problem. They also have a good understanding of the link that can exist between aerial degradation and the appearance or worsening of childhood illnesses, with around 60% attributing asthma and respiratory tract infections to this poor environmental condition.
“However, the link with other pathologies is less obvious, such as leukemia (21% of respondents think that air pollution is directly responsible) or behavioral disorders (18%).” concludes the Respire association.