Perceptions and Attitudes of Gynecologic and Pediatric Professionals Regarding Dietary Exposure to Chemical Pollutants

Juan Pedro Arrebola, Araceli Muñoz, Silvia Ferrero and Cristina Larrea-Killinger
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Juan Pedro Arrebola: Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Araceli Muñoz: School of Social Work, University of Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
Silvia Ferrero: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant Joan de Déu University Hospital, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
Cristina Larrea-Killinger: CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-14

Abstract: There is increasing concern regarding the potential implications of continuous dietary exposure to low doses of artificial chemical pollutants, particularly in critical life stages such as pregnancy and lactation. Within a wider social research, we analyzed the risk perception, discourses, and attitudes of health professionals regarding dietary exposure to artificial chemical contaminants. Data was collected by personal interviews on 35 health professionals from two Spanish regions. Although the participants’ discourses were strongly dominated by the nutritional composition and microbiological contamination, 34 expressed some concern regarding metals, and 23 regarding pesticides. Although only one participant mentioned a plasticizer (i.e., bisphenol A), we noted an underlying concern, since six professionals admitted to recommending pregnant women to somewhat avoid plastic food containers, and were aware of mother-to-child transmission and accumulation of artificial chemicals. The ubiquity of the exposure, the inability to locate the threat, and contradictory messages can all create a sense of helplessness and subsequent cognitive adjustments. Our participants also reported a lack of information, particularly on emerging pollutants. In conclusion, we found a range of valuable discourses that can aid in orienting public health strategies aimed at health professionals who have a substantial influence on their patients.

Keywords: risk perception; attitudes; health professionals; chemical pollutants; food; mercury; bisphenol A; pesticides (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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