Air Monitoring and Community Engagement – Session II: Partnerships and Impact – How an Air Monitoring Network Can Benefit the Community

Air quality issues in urban environments have long been a concern, dating back to historical complaints of smoke and odors from activities such as charcoal pits, blacksmithing, and cooking fires. Since the Industrial Revolution, these problems have escalated, with emissions now posing greater risks to public health.

Partnerships between academic researchers and communities burdened by poor air quality have advanced our understanding of micro-scale pollution dynamics and community monitoring approaches. However, many efforts have been hampered by flawed communication and asynchronous approaches, leading to frustration among communities when scientific results did not translate into real-world change, captured in the sentiment of being “studied to death.”

The advent of low-cost air quality sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) technology has made citizen science more accessible, opening new opportunities for meaningful collaboration between academic institutions and local communities. Programs such as the NIEHS Community Engagement Cores offer guidance on fostering effective partnerships and clear communication between researchers and community members.

This webinar will explore the journey of the Citizen Air Monitoring Network and their collaboration with the University of California, Davis, prompted by a simple question: “What can you do to help us?”

Additionally, the presenters will share insights from their partnership in developing a low-cost air monitoring network for the Lower Price Hill community in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their initiative has expanded to include additional community-engaged projects and training opportunities for community-academic research teams across the country. This webinar will highlight the power of collaboration in addressing air quality issues and building sustainable, impactful solutions for communities.