Understanding public perception and attitudes toward air

quality and regulation is critical for successful citizen involvement as shifts

toward new technologies and management alternatives take place. While urban air

pollution continues to be a major risk in most parts of the world, very few

studies and surveys have been conducted to systematically study public

perceptions related to air pollution. Even fewer studies have focused on developing

countries. This gap is critical because of the complex interaction between

poverty, livelihoods and sustainable development in developing countries. A

Pressure-State-Response framework is used to review studies of public

perceptions of air pollution and knowledge gaps are identified. The paper

highlights unique characteristics of urban areas in developing countries in the

context of air pollution related perceptions.