Toward a “Definitional Model” Of Public Perceptions Of Air Pollution

Abstract

From a public attitudinal survey conducted in a city in Southwest Pennsylvania, different levels or aspects of public perceptions of air pollution are suggested. This “model” of public definitions of air pollution was analyzed in terms of selected social characteristics such as education, socioeconomic status, sex, residence, etc., in the attempt to isolate factors that may influence a person’s perception of air pollution. The definition of air pollution involves a whole host of factors, but it appears that level of education, socioeconomic status, and residence have the most influence in terms of the various meanings attached to air pollution. Modification and clarification of the model through further research may enable more insight of public awareness and concern with air pollution as an urban problem.