Public Perception of Human Biomonitoring and Pesticide Exposure in Latvia: Implications for Policy and Risk Communication

Description

Public trust in environmental health policies and exposure monitoring is critical for effective risk communication and regulatory decision-making. However, awareness of human biomonitoring and pesticide exposure remains limited,
often shaped by media advocacy efforts.
This study examines public perceptions, concerns, and awareness of pesticide exposure and human biomonitoring in Latvia, highlighting implications for policy and public engagement.
Three focus group discussions were conducted between August 2021 and June 2024 with a diverse representation of Latvian citizens, exploring their understanding of human biomonitoring, chemical exposure concerns, and trust in governmental monitoring. Additionally, online content analysis was used to assess how pesticide-related topics are framed in public discourse by media and non-governmental organizations.
Awareness of human biomonitoring was generally low, with many participants mistakenly associating it with medical diagnostics rather than recognizing it as a tool for chemical exposure assessment. Public concerns primarily revolved
around food additives and household chemicals, while pesticides received comparatively less attention. Among pesticides, glyphosate emerged as the most widely discussed, largely driven by non-governmental organisation
advocacy and media influence, whereas other pesticides like acetamiprid are rarely mentioned despite being detected in 1-in-3 people. Trust in government-led monitoring initiatives was mixed, with concerns about political
influence, industry affiliations, and data privacy contributing to public scepticisms. Not withstanding these reservations, participants expressed strong support for further research, emphasizing the importance of locally
tailored biomonitoring studies to inform policy and enhance public understanding.
Findings underscore the importance of public trust in scientific and regulatory institutions and the need for transparent communication on exposure risks. Addressing misconceptions about human biomonitoring, strengthening policy driven risk communication strategies, and increasing public engagement are essential steps for advancing the chemical exposure, including pesticide, monitoring framework.

Period	17 Aug 2025 → 20 Aug 2025
Event title	Joint Annual Meeting of the International Society of Exposure Science and the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology 2025
Event type	Conference
Location	Atlanta, United StatesShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International