AUTHOR=Akūlova Lāsma , Paegle Linda , Mārtiņsone Inese , Vanadziņš Ivars , Knudsen Lisbeth E. , Matisāne Linda 

TITLE=COVID-19 pandemic influence on perceived exposure to chemical substances in Latvia: data from a focus group discussion and the HBM4EU citizen survey

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1382368

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2024.1382368

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the population's exposure to chemical substances through different mechanisms. To evaluate the tendencies of the use of chemical products in Latvia answers from 597 respondents (26.6% male, 73.4% female, mean age 46.0±12.2) which were gathered as part of the HBM4EU (Human Biomonitoring Initiative) citizen survey and 8 focus group participants were used. More than two-thirds of survey participants reported increased exposure to chemicals during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly related to the use of disinfection agents and household products. About 2-in-5 (39.8%) of survey respondents considered that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased their interest in exposure to chemicals. The excessive use of disinfectant products is the main concern of citizens (mentioned by 66.7%, n=389). Also, two focus group participants noted that the use of disinfectant products is too widespread and should be minimized. To conclude, it seems that the COVID-19 pandemic has not only increased the use of chemical products in Latvia but also promoted an interest in safe and healthy use of chemicals which could be useful to raise the awareness of the general public.