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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Clare TolleyORCiD, Dr Sarah WilsonORCiD, Dr Nehal HassanORCiD, Bob SlightORCiD, Professor Sarah Slight
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Copyright © 2026 Tolley, de Nazelle, Wilson, Hassan, Slight and Slight.Background – Ambient air pollution is a critical global health concern. Individuals living with preexisting health conditions in urban and/or deprived areas and ethnic minorities groups are at particular risk. The WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines have highlighted the importance of effectively communicating the risk of poor air quality exposure to vulnerable groups so they can take actions to protect themselves. This study explored the optimal strategies to communicate this risk to vulnerable groups. Methods – In-depth, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with participants (n = 50) across a diverse range of vulnerable demographic groups living in North East England, to explore their perspectives around poor air quality and how to communicate this information. Findings – We developed a theory- and evidence-based framework for communicating the health impacts of poor air quality. We identified key components of a communication strategy focussing on the need for: tailored information on risks and harms, a range of inclusive and actionable recommendations, and considerations around the source (healthcare-provider, peers) and channel of communication (SMS, community-based). Interpretation – This study provides novel insights from vulnerable demographic groups supporting the need for air quality information to be accessible, understandable and tailored. Communicating via trusted sources, e.g., healthcare professionals and/or community-based peer networks is important. Further research should explore the impact of interventions on behaviour change, particularly across vulnerable groups.
Author(s): Tolley CL, de Nazelle A, Wilson S, Hassan N, Slight RD, Slight SP
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Frontiers in Public Health
Year: 2026
Volume: 14
Online publication date: 18/05/2026
Acceptance date: 29/05/2026
Date deposited: 27/07/2026
ISSN (electronic): 2296-2565
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1763393
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1763393
Data Access Statement: The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author/s
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