Community engagement in development of a community air monitoring network in Imperial County, California

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Imperial County, California, is a low-income, primarily Latino community that faces disproportionate impacts from a range of environmental hazards. With consistently high rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for asthma among schoolchildren, the community identified air pollution as a priority concern. Community members collaborated with researchers to build a community air monitoring network to provide local data on air quality that can be used to protect community health. METHODS: A community-based organization responsive to local concerns participated in research planning from the outset, and a Community Steering Committee guided the project. Community members selected priority neighborhoods within the county for air monitoring, and over 40 local residents identified vulnerable population groups. Key informant interviews informed data display decisions. Data was visualized using an environmental health web platform developed by the community. RESULTS: Community participation increased the usefulness of the monitoring network to the community. Community members identified schools throughout the county as priorities for siting the first 20 monitors. Local schools and businesses facilitated monitor deployment, promoting local capacity for maintenance. Training on air monitoring established a common knowledge base. Selection of monitor sites and hosting of monitors by local residents promoted community ownership of the monitoring network. Community input determined priority data display needs. Conclusions: Substantial engagement of and leadership by community members at every stage of planning and implementation of an air monitoring network (1) enhances responsiveness of research to community priorities, (2) fosters community ownership of the project and builds local capacity, (3) ensures accessibility, usability and usefulness of data displayed, and (4) promotes potential for network sustainability beyond the research period.