Objective  To understand the cognition of haze in Tangshan residents and the formation of their preventive measures; and to provide scientific basis for the control of haze.

Methods  A retrospective survey based on questionnaire method was carried out in 295 residents selected by random sampling from four municipal districts in Tangshan and the data were statistically analyzed.

Results  The total attention rate of respondents concerning about haze was 88.1%, which was different in age, educational level and household income (P<0.05). 96.9% of respondents thought that haze had an impact on daily life. Only 5.8% of respondents correctly selected the main component of haze. It was thought that industrial waste gas and automobile exhaust were the main source of haze in 88.1% and 87.5% of respondents; haze could cause respiratory disease such as bronchitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis in 79.3%, 72.2% and 73.9% of respondents, respectively; and 16.6% and 7.8% of respondents knew the national air quality standard and air pollution related laws. 85.4% of respondents said that they wore protective mask while the haze was serious. 78.6% of respondents reduced outdoor exercise in haze days. 74.9% of respondents wanted to know more knowledge about the harm of air pollution on human body.

Conclusion  There was a certain awareness in Tangshan residents on the cognition and prevention of haze, which also need to be further strengthened. It is suggested that relevant government departments should strengthen propagation about haze related knowledge to residents to improve their cognition on haze; and good habits on the prevention of risks from haze should be formed in Tangshan people.