The Air Pollution Paradox in Adana: High Public Awareness, Low Protective Action

Air pollution remains a major public health threat in urban‐industrial centers worldwide and in Türkiye. Adana, a key metropolitan and industrial city, experiences persistent air quality problems driven by traffic, industrial activity, and residential heating, within a national context where urban pollution is estimated to cost the Turkish economy approximately $138 billion annually and cause tens of thousands of preventable deaths. This study investigates the relationship between public awareness, risk perception, and protective behavior regarding air pollution in Adana. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted with 402 participants from the general population and high‐risk occupational groups using a structured face‐to‐face questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. The results demonstrate a pronounced awareness–action gap. Although most participants demonstrated high awareness—correctly identifying anthropogenic pollution sources (77.36%) and recognizing adverse health impacts (67.66%)—this knowledge rarely translated into protective action: 91.79% reported never using protective masks, 63.68% were unwilling to engage in air quality monitoring initiatives, and nearly half (47.26%) did not consider air quality in residential decisions, prioritizing economic constraints instead. Frequently reported symptoms included respiratory difficulties (48.1%) and eye irritation (29.2%), with pollution perceived as most severe during winter and evening hours. These findings underscore a critical disconnect between awareness and behavior and highlight the urgent need for policies that move beyond information provision toward enabling action by addressing structural and socioeconomic barriers to healthier urban environments. This calls for coordinated efforts from policymakers, urban planners, and public health authorities to create enabling environments for behavioral change.