THE CHILD AND THE AIR POLLUTION: PARENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE PROBLEM IN THE PROVINCE OF PIACENZA

Key words: Air pollution, Child, Parents’ perception, Questionnaire, Piacenza

Little is known about parents’ perception of children respiratory diseases and their risk factors compared to daily practice and risk behaviours. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to evaluate: a) epidemiological data on respiratory diseases in children up to the age of fourteen; b) how much respiratory diseases affect the daily workload of the NHS paediatricians; c) analyse daily habits and routines of families as regard the issue of “pollution”. Basing on the results of the present survey and with the help of other groups working in the field of Health Education, the authors developed a Multisectorial Educational Project aimed to improve the quality of the environment. To translate theoretical knowledge to practical behaviours strong commitment is needed from both families and local authorities.