A social media analysis investigating public health concerns of lead (Pb) contamination in the environment and consumer products in New Zealand and the risk of neurological harm : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 2nd October 2027

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dc.contributor.authorLightowler, Balbinder Kaur
dc.date.accessioned2024-10-16T21:07:16Z
dc.date.available2024-10-16T21:07:16Z
dc.date.issued2023
dc.descriptionEmbargoed until 2nd October 2027 Textual redactions were done by the author.
dc.description.abstractThis research involved a social media analysis investigating public health concerns of Lead (Pb) contamination in the environment and consumer products in Aotearoa New Zealand. The research question sought to explore how social media discussed government policies designed to protect the public from Lead exposure, especially children and babies. Few studies have been conducted worldwide to ascertain public views on Lead exposure via internet-based social media, and none appear to have been conducted in NZ. This study intends to satisfy this gap making it a unique and significant contribution to psychological research. This is important considering international research has consistently revealed the detrimental effects of Lead exposure even at low levels on the human nervous system. The US has in the last few decades made considerable progress towards increasing public awareness and eliminating Lead exposure hazards, in addition to increasing Lead poisoning monitoring. This level of activity has not been observed in NZ suggesting a review of government policies may be required. A thematic analysis was conducted using data from a NZ Facebook forum, which focused on increasing public awareness of Lead exposure risks to children and how to mitigate them. The forum questioned the status-quo and held the NZ government accountable for failing to protect children from Lead exposure. Three main themes were identified: ‘our environment’, ‘our children’, and ‘our health’ each containing several sub-themes. Findings revealed that government policies around Lead exposure are insufficient, not in line with international guidelines, and highly concerning. At a minimum, it is recommended that NZ adopt a blood Lead safety threshold and a Lead screening and testing programme similar to the US. Additionally, primary, and secondary prevention of Lead exposure should be prioritised for vulnerable groups, to provide considerably more protection for children and babies. The research also identified the wider implications of Lead pollution and its adverse effects on psychological wellbeing.
dc.identifier.urihttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/71742
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherMassey University
dc.rightsThe authoren
dc.titleA social media analysis investigating public health concerns of lead (Pb) contamination in the environment and consumer products in New Zealand and the risk of neurological harm : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 2nd October 2027
dc.typeThesis
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