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Public Awareness and Risk Perceptions of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: A Qualitative Study

Author

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  • Melissa Kelly

    (Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, BT9 5DL Belfast, Northern Ireland)

  • Lisa Connolly

    (Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, BT9 5DL Belfast, Northern Ireland)

  • Moira Dean

    (Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, BT9 5DL Belfast, Northern Ireland)

Abstract

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous chemicals found in food, consumer products, and the environment. EDCs are ubiquitous in modern life and exposure is associated with many negative health effects, such as reproductive disorders, metabolic disorders, and cancer. Scientists have deemed EDCs as a serious public health risk, yet the public’s perceptions of these chemicals is poorly understood. This study aimed to qualitatively explore how aware the public is of EDCs and their attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of EDC risk. Thirty-four participants (aged 19–65 years) took part in the six focus groups. Discussions were transcribed verbatim and Nvivo 11 was used for thematic analysis. Our results indicated that awareness of EDCs was low. Themes of EDC risk perception included perceived control, perceived severity, and similarity heuristics. Risk alleviation strategies were also discussed. Future research should use quantitative methodology and a larger sample size to validate the findings from this study. Findings from this study may aid the development of effective risk communication strategies and public health interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Melissa Kelly & Lisa Connolly & Moira Dean, 2020. "Public Awareness and Risk Perceptions of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:21:p:7778-:d:434008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Steeve Rouillon & Houria El Ouazzani & Sylvie Rabouan & Virginie Migeot & Marion Albouy-Llaty, 2018. "Determinants of Risk Perception Related to Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors during Pregnancy: A Qualitative and Quantitative Study on French Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-19, October.
    2. Laura Maxim & Pascale Mansier & Natalia Grabar, 2013. "Public reception of scientific uncertainty in the endocrine disrupter controversy: the case of male fertility," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(6), pages 677-695, June.
    3. Hien Ho & Tsunemi Watanabe, 2018. "The Roles of Three Types of Knowledge and Perceived Uncertainty in Explaining Risk Perception, Acceptability, and Self-Protective Response—A Case Study on Endocrine Disrupting Surfactants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-23, February.
    4. Steeve Rouillon & Chloé Deshayes-Morgand & Line Enjalbert & Sylvie Rabouan & Jean-Benoit Hardouin & Group DisProSE & Virginie Migeot & Marion Albouy-Llaty, 2017. "Endocrine Disruptors and Pregnancy: Knowledge, Attitudes and Prevention Behaviors of French Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-16, September.
    5. Michael K. Lindell & Seong Nam Hwang, 2008. "Households' Perceived Personal Risk and Responses in a Multihazard Environment," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(2), pages 539-556, April.
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    1. Sigurdsson, Valdimar & Folwarczny, Michał & Larsen, Nils Magne & Menon, R.G. Vishnu & Sigurdardottir, Freyja Thoroddsen & Perkovic, Sonja, 2024. "Utilizing consumer-based label equity to signal consumer products free from endocrine-disrupting chemicals," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).

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