Associations between PFAS perceptions and consumer behaviors across Michigan

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been associated with various adverse health effects. Few studies, however, have explored public perceptions, which may influence behaviors related to PFAS exposure. We characterized the perceptions college students and residents across Michigan have towards PFAS, and how these perceptions influence PFAS-related consumer behaviors.

We conducted an online survey to assess PFAS perceptions, PFAS-related consumer behaviors, and sociodemographic factors among students at five public universities in Michigan and residents in Facebook groups for their corresponding cities. Perceptions were graded and compiled into a 15-point score system, representing an individual’s PFAS knowledge. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of PFAS knowledge score with (1) the frequency of considering PFAS when shopping, and (2) the likelihood of purchasing a product labeled as “PFAS free”.

We collected 3,994 total responses and the mean PFAS knowledge score was 8.37. The most common age group was 18-22 (1,904 (47.7%)), gender was women (2,260 (56.6%)), and race/ethnicity was White/European (2,260 (56.6%)). An interquartile range (IQR) increase in PFAS knowledge score was associated with a 4.14 (95% CI: 3.14-5.45) odds ratio (OR) for university participants and a 2.33 (1.71-3.16) OR for Facebook participants of considering PFAS often or always when shopping, along with a 2.30 (1.93-2.74) OR for university participants and a 2.61 (1.94-3.51) OR for Facebook participants of considering PFAS sometimes when shopping. An IQR increase in PFAS knowledge score was associated with a 3.73 (3.01-4.60) OR for university participants and a 3.92 (2.82-5.47) OR for Facebook participants of purchasing a product labeled as “PFAS free”.

These findings indicate that perceptions of PFAS are a crucial factor influencing consumer behaviors that limit PFAS exposure in the general population. Promoting public knowledge about PFAS could be a key strategy to lower PFAS exposure.