Residential Indoor Air Pollution in Rural Communities: A Qualitative Study of Knowledge, Household Practices, and Information Needs

Residential indoor air pollution (RESIAPOL) is an important environmental health concern, yet less is known about how rural residents understand and manage indoor air quality risks in everyday household contexts. This qualitative study explored rural residents’ knowledge, perceptions, household practices, and information needs related to RESIAPOL. Six focus group discussions were conducted between June and August 2024 with 28 adults living in rural communities in Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada. Discussions examined awareness of RESIAPOL, household cooking practices, heating methods, tobacco smoke exposure, mitigation behaviours, and preferred health communication approaches. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14. Participants expressed concern about familiar or visible indoor air quality issues, including mould, dampness, dust, smoke, and outdoor pollutant infiltration; however, awareness of less perceptible hazards, particularly radon and some combustion-related pollutants, was limited. Ventilation practices during cooking and heating were often shaped by sensory cues, seasonal conditions, comfort, and cost. Participants also reported difficulty accessing clear, practical, and trusted information. These findings highlight the need for rural-specific RESIAPOL communication that is accessible, actionable, and responsive to household realities.