Hushållets hantering av kemikalier: Medvetenhet och dess inverkan på vattenkvalitet : En kvantitativ undersökning om riskuppfattning och medvetenhet och hur dessa faktorer påverkar beteendet

Sammanfattning

This thesis examines household use of chemicals and its impact on water quality, with a particular focus on public awareness, risk perception, and everyday environmental behaviors. Although wastewater treatment plants in Sweden are effective in removing nutrients and organic matter, they are not always capable of capturing pharmaceutical residues and other persistent chemicals. This can lead to negative consequences for both ecosystems and human health. The aim of this study is to analyze how aware people are of the presence of chemicals in water, how they perceive related risks, and to what extent values and norms are linked to household behaviors. The study is based on the Value-Belief-Norm theory and the theory of risk perception, which are used to understand the relationships between individuals values, risk perceptions, and behaviors. The study was conducted through a quantitative survey among residents of Örebro, Sweden (n = 59), covering questions on knowledge, attitudes, risk perception, and practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation. The findings reveal that while many participants have limited knowledge of chemical impacts, they still express concern about potential effects on both health and the environment. The results show correlations between higher awareness and more environmentally conscious actions, especially regarding the choice of eco-labeled products and proper disposal of chemicals at recycling facilities. The study highlights the importance of improved risk communication and increased awareness to promote sustainable consumption and safeguard water resources.