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Air pollution exposure assessment at schools and playgrounds in Williamsburg Brooklyn NYC, with a view to developing a set of policy solutions

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Maria Carmen Ilie

    (Colorado School of Mines
    City University of New York)

  • Norma McCarthy

    (El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice High School)

  • Leslie Velasquez

    (El Puente Community-based Organization)

  • Masoom Moitra

    (El Puente Community-based Organization)

  • Holger Michael Eisl

    (City University of New York)

Abstract

Community science offers unique opportunities for non-professional involvement of volunteers in the scientific process, not just during the data acquisition, but also in other phases, like problem definition, quality assurance, data analysis and interpretation, and the dissemination of results. Moreover, community science can be a powerful tool for public engagement and empowerment during policy formulation. This paper aims to present a pilot study on personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and raises awareness of the hazards of air pollution. As part of data acquisition conducted in 2019, high school students gathered data at their schools, schoolyards, and playgrounds using low-cost monitors AirBeam2. The data was automatically uploaded every second onto the AirCasting mobile app. Besides, a stationary network of air monitors (fixed stations) was deployed in the neighborhood to collect real-time ambient air concentrations of PM2.5. Students involved in the project attended workshops, training sessions, and researched to better understand air pollution, as part of their science class curriculum and portfolio. This air quality monitoring was incorporated into the “Our Air/Nuestro Aire” — El Puente grassroots campaign. The main goals of this campaign included sharing the data collected with the community, engaging academic partners to develop a set of policy and urban design solutions, and to be considered into a 5-point policy platform.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Maria Carmen Ilie & Norma McCarthy & Leslie Velasquez & Masoom Moitra & Holger Michael Eisl, 2022. "Air pollution exposure assessment at schools and playgrounds in Williamsburg Brooklyn NYC, with a view to developing a set of policy solutions," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 12(4), pages 838-852, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:12:y:2022:i:4:d:10.1007_s13412-022-00777-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-022-00777-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brody, J.G. & Morello-Frosch, R. & Zota, A. & Brown, P. & Pérez, C. & Rudel, R.A., 2009. "Linking exposure assessment science with policy objectives for environmental justice and breast cancer advocacy: the northern California household exposure study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(S3), pages 600-609.
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    3. Wing, S. & Horton, R.A. & Muhammad, N. & Grant, G.R. & Tajik, M. & Thu, K., 2008. "Integrating epidemiology, education, and organizing for environmental justice: Community health effects of industrial hog operations," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(8), pages 1390-1397.
    4. Minkler, M., 2010. "Linking science and policy through community-based participatory research to study and address health disparities," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(S1), pages 81-87.
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