COVID-19 pandemic influence on perceived exposure to chemical substances in Latvia: data from a focus group discussion and the HBM4EU citizen survey
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COVID-19 pandemic influence on perceived exposure to chemical substances in Latvia : data from a focus group discussion and the HBM4EU citizen survey. / Akūlova, Lāsma; Paegle, Linda; Mārtiņsone, Inese; Vanadziņš, Ivars; Knudsen, Lisbeth E; Matisāne, Linda.
In: Frontiers in Public Health, Vol. 12, 1382368, 2024.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - COVID-19 pandemic influence on perceived exposure to chemical substances in Latvia
T2 - data from a focus group discussion and the HBM4EU citizen survey
AU - Akūlova, Lāsma
AU - Paegle, Linda
AU - Mārtiņsone, Inese
AU - Vanadziņš, Ivars
AU - Knudsen, Lisbeth E
AU - Matisāne, Linda
N1 - Copyright © 2024 Akūlova, Paegle, Mārtiņsone, Vanadziņš, Knudsen and Matisāne.
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - Humans
KW - Latvia/epidemiology
KW - Female
KW - Focus Groups
KW - Male
KW - COVID-19/epidemiology
KW - Middle Aged
KW - Adult
KW - Surveys and Questionnaires
KW - Environmental Exposure/statistics & numerical data
KW - Disinfectants
KW - SARS-CoV-2
KW - Household Products
KW - Pandemics
U2 - 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1382368
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1382368
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 38846609
VL - 12
JO - Frontiers in Public Health
JF - Frontiers in Public Health
SN - 2296-2565
M1 - 1382368
ER -
ID: 394592626