Covid-19 pandemic influence on perceived exposure to chemical substances in Latvia

Data from a focus group discussion and the HBM4EU citizen survey

Bibliographic Data

ID22067171
AuthorsLāsma Akūlova (0000-0002-4947-3904, Riga Stradiņš University, corresponding author), Linda Paegle (0000-0002-2205-6676, Riga Stradiņš University), Inese Mārtiņsone (0000-0001-6923-5316, Riga Stradiņš University), Ivars Vanadziņš (0000-0002-5391-1583, Riga Stradiņš University), Lisbeth E Knudsen (0000-0002-9576-1202, University of Copenhagen), Linda Matisāne (0000-0003-3978-6963, Riga Stradiņš University)
Year2024
Volume12
Pages1382368-1382368
Publication date2024-05-23
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2024.1382368
PMID38846609
OpenAlexW4398236231
LanguageEN
References cited24

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has globally influenced the exposure of populations to chemical substances through various channels. This study aims to evaluate the tendencies of the use of chemical products in Latvia amidst the pandemic. Answers from 597 respondents (26.6% male, 73.4% female, mean age 46.0 ± 12.2) which were gathered as part of the HBM4EU (Human Biomonitoring Initiative) citizen survey and 8 focus group participants were used. Methods: The study utilized data from the HBM4EU citizen survey and conducted focus group discussions to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chemical product usage in Latvia. Survey responses were analyzed to identify changes in exposure to chemicals, particularly in relation to disinfection agents and household products. Results: More than two-thirds of survey participants reported increased exposure to chemicals during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly related to the use of disinfection agents and household products. About 2-in-5 (39.8%) of survey respondents considered that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased their interest in exposure to chemicals. The excessive use of disinfectant products is the main concern of citizens (mentioned by 66.7%, n = 389). Also, two focus group participants noted that the use of disinfectant products is too widespread and should be minimized. Discussion: The findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has not only increased the use of chemical products in Latvia but also promoted an interest in safe and healthy use of chemicals which could be useful to raise the awareness of the general public

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak · Business · Environmental health · Focus group · Outbreak · Pandemic · Pathology · Statistics · Survey data collection · Chemistry · Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals · Infection Control and Ventilation · Mathematics · Medicine · Risk Perception and Management · Marketing · Virology

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