This study is a cross-national study and aimed to investigate how perception of PM2.5 air pollution influences public’s avoidant and protective behaviors, whether there are correlations between the public’s PM2.5 negative emotions, risk perception and coping behaviors, and whether there are significant differences between China and Korea. To better understand the mechanisms of coping behaviors related to the risk of PM2.5 exposure, the study divided coping behaviors into avoidant behaviors, which reduce exposure to PM2.5, and protective behaviors, which reduce the health hazards of PM2.5, for more specific analysis. Three hypotheses were proposed. The results of a comparative analysis showed differences in the mechanisms mediating the relationship between PM2.5 risk perceptions and coping behaviors, between the Chinese and Korean participants. The positive correlation between risk perception and coping behaviors was partially supported, and the ‘negative emotions-risk perception-risk coping behavior’ explanatory pathway was partially supported as well. The results of this study provide valuable insight into the psychology of the public affected by PM2.5 and aid in better communicating the risks of and effective response to the impact of PM2.5 pollution.

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) impairs the respiratory system and increases the morbidity and mortality of respiratory diseases. Even though aerobic exercise is known to improve pulmonary function in diverse populations, it can lead to an increase in the inhalation of PM_2.5 in polluted environments. We aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise under high PM_2.5 conditions on the pulmonary function in young adults. Nine healthy young men performed indoor treadmill running in both high and low PM_2.5 conditions (59.0 ± 2.1 vs. 7.8 ± 1.0 μg/m³) by a crossover study design. Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) at pre- and 1-h post-exercise. There was no difference in the response of pulmonary function and lung diffusion capacity to the acute aerobic exercise in high and low PM_2.5 conditions (p ≥ 0.09). These findings indicate that aerobic exercise in high PM_2.5 conditions may not adversely affect pulmonary function in healthy young adults.

(2018). Renewable energy: power for a sustainable future. Australasian Journal of Environmental Management: Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 248-248.

Recently, increasing numbers of people have realized the harm that particulate matter (PM) causes to health, especially those with a diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5). With the increasing popularity of wearable devices in recent years, it is believed that wearable technology can contribute feasible solutions to prevent health hazards caused by PM2.5. In order to better understand the public’s needs regarding wearable devices, this study aimed to determine what kinds of PM2.5 wearable devices were needed by the public and the factors that may influence these needs. An online survey was conducted in the Beijing metropolitan area of China of a total of 894 subjects. The results showed that the public’s overall need for wearable PM2.5 purifiers was higher than for wearable PM2.5 trackers. The public’s needs for wearable breathing-zone PM2.5 devices were significantly higher than for any other type, indicating that people care about the quality of the air they actually breathe. It was also found that education, income level, and attitude toward PM2.5 positively affected their needs for wearable devices. In contrast, age had a negative influence on their needs. The results of this study are expected to serve as a valuable reference for related academic and industrial research.

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