Risk communications in the sphere of the ambient air quality and population health: the potential for integrating digital technologies

Introduction. Effective risk communication is a significant factor in reducing preventable morbidity and mortality associated with anthropogenic environmental pollution in modern cities. The World Health Organization considers active use of digital technologies (risk communications via the Internet or mobile applications) a key trend in the development of up-to-date communication systems.

Purpose. To establish possibilities and ways to integrate digital technologies into risk communications associated with ambient air pollution based on the characteristics on information demands typical for residents of Russian megacities.

Materials and methods. The empirical base for the research was provided by the results of an online quantitative survey conducted among adults in Novosibirsk and Perm, two industrially developed cities in Russia with the population exceeding 1 million people (n = 378, 2020).

Results. We established that people had rather low proactive interest in any information about environmental conditions (ambient air pollution and its impacts on health) since less than a half of the respondents searched for it on their own. Still, 76% of them wanted to be informed about these issues and this means that in general there is a high interest in the topic. Data on health associated with ambient air pollution and possible actions aimed at risk mitigation are the most interesting for public in general. People prefer texts and videos when it comes down to a way to communicate information. Interactive maps have some potential but they are still not very popular among people. There is also a demand for a specialized mobile application, which gives an opportunity to get information about ambient air quality and health risks. Social networks, messengers, and news tickers on websites have the greatest potential for informing people about ambient air pollution and health risks.

Research limitations. The survey was conducted only among residents of large cities in Russia. Therefore, the results do not cover opinions of people who live in medium-sized or small towns or in rural areas.

Conclusion. Emphasis in these risk communications should be made on a) an actual ambient air quality; b) its potential effects on health; c) ways to minimize risks. Overall, it seems necessary to develop a whole system of risk communications on environmental pollution and health in Russia. This should involve active use of digital technologies.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study was conducted in conformity with the International Sociological Association’s (ISA) Code of Ethics; was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Technologies for Population Health Risk Management (protocol No. 6 dated March 12, 2020). All participants gave informed voluntary written consent to participate in the study.

Contribution of the authors:
Lebedeva-Nesevria N.A. — study concept and design, writing and editing the text;
Barg A.O. — sociological data analysis, drawing up the references.
All authors have approved the final version of the article and bear full responsibility for the integrity of all its parts.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: May 14, 2025 / Accepted: June 24, 2025 / Published: October 31, 2025

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