The risk of unknown: preventive behavioural intention related to PFAS exposure

Applying the psychometric paradigm and the extended parallel process model (EPPM), this study examines how highlighting the unknown aspect of the health risks from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) influences people’s intention to engage in preventive behaviours. U.S. adult participants were recruited from ResearchMatch (N = 533) and took part in a one-way messaging experiment. Results showed that both response efficacy and self-efficacy moderated the relationship between threat appraisal and behavioural intention, which underlines the crucial importance of highlighting actionable strategies in risk communication messaging about PFAS prevention.