The public debate on microplastics as a potential risk for human health and the environment has gained momentum in recent years. Although risk assessment is still ongoing, preliminary evidence from survey studies suggests that public perceptions of microplastics are shaped by risks and that they differ by country. However, little is known about people’s reasons for concerns and the extent to which individual variables shape perceptions of microplastics. This understanding would allow to adapt risk communication to people’s needs.
The project aims to expand the understanding of people’s perceptions of microplastics. It draws on the mental models approach to risk communication (Morgan
et al.short foret alii (lat. "and others"), 2002) and combines quantitative and qualitative methodology to explore risk perceptions. To investigate the role of population-specific characteristics, the project compares data from both Germany and Italy and comprises two studies.
Study 1 included in-depth interviews with 30 participants (Germany:
n = 15; Italy:
n = 15). The sample was stratified by gender, age, and education both within and between the two countries. Interviews included both open and specific questions on microplastics to explore risk perceptions related to human health and the environment in more detail.
Study 2 comprised an online questionnaire answered by a total of
n = 1,135 respondents in Germany and
n = 1,124 in Italy. Samples in both countries were stratified by gender, age, education, and region. Items were informed by the results of Study 1 and included questions on knowledge, concerns, perceived sources and pathways, harmfulness, behavioral intentions, and responsibilities.
Study 1 showed that key concepts shaped perceptions about microplastics. Interviewees expressed high levels of uncertainty and frequently transferred knowledge of plastics to microplastics. The concept of accumulation was prominent and often associated with the idea that microplastics caused harm after reaching a certain concentration. Interviewees’ statements on solutions to the issue of microplastics were characterized by helplessness and a holistic view that those solutions would need to consider both human health and the environment. Country comparisons revealed similar overall patterns in perceptions with some qualitative differences.
Study 2 provided evidence that the perceptions outlined above were prevalent in the general population. Participants indicated high levels of concerns about the harmfulness of microplastics to human health and the environment. Respondents perceived to be exposed to microplastics, largely attributing this to consumption behaviors. Country-specific differences emerged in the assessment of contact scenarios and responsibilities of stakeholders.
The documented multifaceted views of microplastics in the population point to the need to increase communication efforts by providing more substantiated information. Notably, perceptions of microplastics were characterized by an interweaving of human health and the environment. Thus, recommendations for individual measures should be equally inclusive of both domains.
Moreover, communication should not be limited to technical information that experts consider important but should take into account people’s types of reasoning. While risk assessment is still ongoing, it seems paramount to proactively communicate about the current science of microplastics. Nation-specific differences suggest that communication should be targeted to specific countries rather than applying a one-fits-all approach.