What are the optimal strategies to communicate the risk of poor air quality exposure to vulnerable groups?
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background: Ambient air pollution is a critical global health concern. Individuals living with preexisting health conditions in urban and/or deprived areas and ethnic minorities groups are at particular risk. The WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines have highlighted the importance of effectively communicating the risk of poor air quality exposure to vulnerable groups so they can take actions to protect themselves. This study explored the optimal strategies to communicate this risk to vulnerable groups.Methods: In-depth, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with participants (n = 50) across a diverse range of vulnerable demographic groups living in North East England, to explore their perspectives around poor air quality and how to communicate this information.Findings: We developed a theory- and evidence-based framework for communicating the health impacts of poor air quality. We identified key components of a communication strategy focussing on the need for: tailored information on risks and harms, a range of inclusive and actionable recommendations, and considerations around the source (healthcare-provider, peers) and channel of communication (SMS, community-based).Interpretation: This study provides novel insights from vulnerable demographic groups supporting the need for air quality information to be accessible, understandable and tailored. Communicating via trusted sources, e.g., healthcare professionals and/or community-based peer networks is important. Further research should explore the impact of interventions on behaviour change, particularly across vulnerable groups.
Date Issued
2026-06-18
Date Acceptance
2026-05-29
Citation
Frontiers in Public Health, 2026, 14
ISSN
2296-2565
Publisher
Frontiers Media S.A.
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Public Health
Volume
14
Copyright Statement
© 2026 Tolley, de Nazelle, Wilson, Hassan, Slight and Slight. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/42395301
Subjects
air pollution
health communication (MESH)
public health
qualitative research
risk communication
Humans
Air Pollution
Vulnerable Populations
England
Focus Groups
Environmental Exposure
Communication
Qualitative Research
Female
Interviews as Topic
Adult
Middle Aged
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
Switzerland
Article Number
1763393
Date Publish Online
2026-06-18