Place-based stressors associated with industry and air pollution.
Exposure to air pollution and its sources is increasingly viewed as a psychosocial stress, however its nature is not understood. This article explores the role of the concept of place on risk perception and community stress within data collected from eight focus groups in Philadelphia, USA. Discussions focused on air pollution, a nearby oil refinery, health, and a proposal for air monitoring. We present a framework of place-based elements of risk perception that includes place identity, stigma and social control. Our findings indicate that air pollution contributes to physical and psychosocial conditions that act as community-level social stressors. Findings also suggest that programs which seek to change behaviors and gather or spread information on issues such as pollution and other environmental concerns will be challenged unless they directly address: (1) the public׳s identification with a place or industry, (2) immediate environmental stressors such as abandonment, waste and odors, and (3) public perceptions of lack of social control and fear of displacement.
USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 100 North 20th Street, Suite 205, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA 19104-6021, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Blockley Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021 USA. Electronic address: mkondo@mail.med.upenn.edu.
Michelle C
MC
Kondo
United States Environmental Protection Agency-Region 3, Air Protection Division, 1650 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA; Drexel University, School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA. Electronic address: cg48@drexel.edu.
Carol Ann
CA
Gross-Davis
Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment, 450 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA. Electronic address: katlyn.may@duke.edu.
Katlyn
K
May
Drexel University, Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: lod25@drexel.edu.
Lauren O
LO
Davis
Drexel University, School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA. Electronic address: ttj29@drexel.edu.
Tyiesha
T
Johnson
Right to Know Committee, 1225S. 26th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA.
Mable
M
Mallard
Right to Know Committee, 1225S. 26th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA.
Alice
A
Gabbadon
South Philadelphia H.O.M.E.S Inc. & Point Breeze Community Development Coalition, 1444 Point Breeze Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA. Electronic address: clsherrod@sphinc.com.
Claudia
C
Sherrod
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Blockley Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021 USA. Electronic address: cbranas@mail.med.upenn.edu.
Charles C
CC
Branas
D000328:Adult; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019652:Extraction and Processing Industry; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005648:Fuel Oils; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D015143:Philadelphia; D012306:Risk; D012926:Social Control, Formal; D057545:Social Stigma; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D055815:Young Adult
D000393:Air Pollutants; D005648:Fuel Oils
Air pollution; Oil refinery; Place; Psychosocial and community stress; Stigma