Environment and Health in the Seine Valley: Residents’ Perceptions

A large majority of residents have come to terms with their environment. One in ten residents is concerned about industrial development and the impact of pollution on their health.; However, there is a consensus on certain perceived nuisances. Highway noise stands out as the nuisance that, by far, bothers the most people (one-third of the population), regardless of the demographic group studied. Distance from major traffic routes modulates the perceived nuisance along a decreasing gradient.; Other nuisances (industrial facilities, railways, agricultural spraying, etc.) are more localized and bother the population as a whole less. Here again, residents’ perceptions are directly related to the distance between their homes and the source of pollution. ; Residents’ reported health aligns with regional averages, except for sleep disturbances, which are higher (21% of residents experience sleep disturbances compared to 16% at the regional level). Car traffic, on the other hand, appears to negatively impact reported mental health, with the degree of impact depending on the level of concern regarding pollution. Residents have strong and detailed expectations regarding the reduction of traffic-related nuisances.; Residents of the Seine Valley do not have a negative view of the area where they live, but they point to measures that would enhance its appeal. Measures leading to a reduction in road noise and the visibility of the highway would be those that would satisfy both the majority of residents and those who are most affected. Other complaints are more specific and localized. The SPI could establish and facilitate a dialogue between polluters and residents to provide appropriate information to those living nearby and to reach mutual agreements when opportunities exist to reduce pollution.

Author(s): Legout Céline, Kermarec Florence, Beaudeau Pascal, Daniau Côme

Publishing year: 2021

Pages: 11 p.

Collection: Studies and Surveys

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