Risk Perception on Haze Pollution and Willingness to Pay for Self-Protection and Haze Management in Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand

Sukanya Sereenonchai,Duangporn Kamnoonwatana,Noppol Arunrat

doi:10.3390/atmos11060600

Abstract

Air pollution is an important environmental health risk that affects people worldwide, including those in the Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand. A questionnaire survey based on accidental sampling to explore risk perception and willingness to pay (WTP) for self-protection and haze management was conducted via face-to-face interview of 250 households, in one urban and four rural areas (covering one rural plain and three different levels of highland areas). Data were analyzed using the contingent valuation method, a one-way ANOVA, correlation, and stepwise multiple linear regression. Key findings on risk perception found that urban respondents living in the lowest areas were more familiar with and experienced more effects from serious haze, while having the least trust in the local authority’s management to cope with the situation. Influential factors determining familiarity and effect for people in most areas were their harm and severe haze experiences. Comparing WTP for a mask, an air purifier, and local authorities support, respondents in all areas were mainly willing to pay for a mask; this was influenced by various factors. The highest average price of willingness to pay was found in the urban area. The important significant factors that increased WTP for self-protection of urban respondents was severe haze experience, while rural respondents who had a longer stay duration, including married farmers in highland areas with less education, tended to have less WTP for self-protection but more WTP for haze management. Avoiding crop residue burning is the first strategy that should be used to deal with haze pollution. Early burning schedules of the highland people should be formally announced, and prompt risk communication should be implemented by local and central authorities and media practitioners.

Highlights

Outdoor air pollution is a major environmental health risk that affects people in most parts of the world, especially those in low-income countries
The public’s willingness to pay (WTP) should be considered by air pollution management policymakers, and they should launch appropriate measures based on public acceptance to private sector [3]
This paper aims to (1) examine people’s perceptions about tackling haze pollution and WTP for self-protection and authorities support; and (2) identify factors influencing perception, awareness, and WTP

Summary

Introduction

Outdoor air pollution is a major environmental health risk that affects people in most parts of the world, especially those in low-income countries. Exposure to air pollution can cause health impacts, such as respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity [1]. Public risk perception of air pollution plays a major and continuous role in the public response to exposure, involvement in mitigating risks [2], and acceptance of mitigation policies [3]; perception is influenced by both individual and contextual factors [4]. The public’s willingness to pay (WTP) should be considered by air pollution management policymakers (for example, for tax policies to support air pollution control), and they should launch appropriate measures based on public acceptance to private sector [3]. Atmosphere 2020, 11, 600 taken into account by the private sector involved in the manufacture and sale of products related to self-protection from air pollution, such as masks and air purifiers. A WTP study can uncover reliable evidence that will help guide policymakers in reaching the national smog mitigation targets [5]

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Conclusion