We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Measured variable
AI summary Read the abstract
This study measured how people feel about products containing harmful chemicals like microplastics and "forever chemicals" (PFAS) that don't break down in the environment or our bodies. Researchers asked participants to rate their concerns, trust in government regulations, and willingness to pay more for safer versions of everyday products. Understanding how people perceive these chemical risks could help improve product labeling and safety regulations to better protect public health.
As the main outcome Variable to approximate the risk-perception of the participants, we measure the Assessment on 4 different 7-point bipolar Likert-scales: -An affective scale (very positive – very negative), based on the holistic affect scale (Slovic & Peters, 2006; Van Der Linden, 2015): The participants should rate whether they see the product as something positive or negative. -A usefulness scale (not useful at all – very useful): The participants should rate, whether they see the product as something useful. -A concern scale (not concerned at all – very concerned): The participants should rate how concerned they personally are with using the product in their everyday life. -A regulation scale (completely disagree – completely agree): The participants should rate, whether they think it is important to regulate the use of this product. To control the moderating effect of prior knowledge in the following analyses we measure as an additional outcome variable on a 7-point bipolar Likert-scale the subjective prior knowledge on persistent, mobile, and toxic chemicals, on PFAS/forever chemicals and on microplastics (No knowledge at all – A lot of knowledge). To control the moderating effect of trust we measure as an additional outcome variable on a 7-point bipolar Likert-scale the trust of the participants in regulations by the government and in the labelling of product content is recorded (strongly disagree – strongly agree). As a validation of the mediator effect of the object kind the participants are working with, a question, about the amount of body contact while using the specific object, follows. (7-point Likert scale: No body contact at all – A lot of body contact). The last measured variable is the willingness to spend money on a PMT-free Version of the object (The subjects assess with a slider (0%-100%) the additional money they are willing to spend.
More Papers Like This
Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Do They Matter to Aquatic Ecosystems?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines PFAS, the persistent 'forever chemicals' widely used in consumer products, and their growing threat to aquatic ecosystems. Evidence indicates that PFAS accumulate in aquatic organisms, disrupt hormones, and can alter how other pollutants behave in the environment. The research is relevant to microplastic concerns because PFAS are commonly found in plastic products and can leach from microplastics into water.
Research Progress in Current and Emerging Issues of PFASs’ Global Impact: Long-Term Health Effects and Governance of Food Systems
AI summary Read the abstract
This review covers per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly called "forever chemicals," which are found in food, cosmetics, drinking water, and are linked to microplastic contamination. Decades of corporate delay and mismanagement have led to widespread human exposure with potential long-term health effects being studied across the globe. The authors examine PFAS levels in food and water from multiple countries and call for stronger regulations to protect public health.
Public perceptions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Psycho-demographic characteristics differentiating PFAS knowledge and concern
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed 935 New Zealand adults and found that while nearly half had heard of PFAS ("forever chemicals"), misunderstandings were common, and concern was highest among those with greater self-perceived knowledge — with key differences in awareness and attitudes across gender and age groups.
Occurrence of forever chemicals in Chennai waters, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured levels of PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," in water sources across Chennai, India, and found them present in all samples including treated drinking water. Alarmingly, PFAS concentrations actually increased by 5 to 103% during the water treatment process. While not directly about microplastics, PFAS and microplastics are both persistent pollutants that often co-occur in the environment and can enter the human body through drinking water.
Assessing the risk perception towards microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This study assessed public risk perception toward microplastics, finding that while awareness of plastic environmental contamination is growing, consumer behavior change remains limited. Understanding how people perceive microplastic risks is essential for designing effective communication strategies and policies to reduce plastic consumption and pollution.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.