Grantee Research Project Results

2019 Progress Report: Monitoring the Air in Our Community: Engaging Citizens in Research

EPA Grant Number: R836187
Title: Monitoring the Air in Our Community: Engaging Citizens in Research
Investigators: Cho, Seung-Hyun , Cicutto, Lisa , Hawthorne, Wendy , Crews, Krysten , Schmoll, Emma , McCullough, Molly , Chang, Cindy , Harris, James , McCombs, Michelle , Doraiswamy, Prakash
Current Investigators: Cho, Seung-Hyun , Cicutto, Lisa , Hawthorne, Wendy , Crews, Krysten
Institution: Research Triangle Institute , National Jewish Health , Groundwork Denver
EPA Project Officer: Callan, Richard
Project Period: May 1, 2016 through April 30, 2019 (Extended to April 30, 2023)
Project Period Covered by this Report: May 1, 2019 through April 30,2020
Project Amount: $749,837
RFA: Air Pollution Monitoring for Communities (2014) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air , Air Quality and Air Toxics , Airborne Particulate Matter Health Effects , Particulate Matter

Objective:

The objectives of this project are to learn how communities can use low-cost air quality monitors to understand their exposure to air pollution and support the ability of communities to make informed decision through effective knowledge translation. During this study, participants will receive data about their exposure to both indoor and outdoor air pollution. Various data outputs formats and coaching support will be evaluated for the effectiveness of knowledge translational approaches in supporting behavioral modifications to decrease exposure to air pollutants. The ambient monitoring portion of this project will provide information to community members about the neighborhood outdoor air quality, including air quality changes associated with the I-70 expansion project. Furthermore, a citizen science framework will be developed, as a template for guiding future community projects.

Progress Summary:

The period covered by this report aligned with longitudinal ambient air and personal exposure monitoring and evaluation of knowledge translation. Accomplishments include:

Data analyses for longitudinal ambient air and personal exposure monitoring:

We completed our data analyses for ambient air quality and personal exposure assessment from the longitudinal monitoring study. Ambient PM2.5 concentrations were monitored using a neighborhood-scale sensor network that deployed RTI MicroPEM at 12 locations within a 4 X 4 km area of theGlobeville/Elyria and Swansea (GES), Denver, CO for one year over three seasons (Summer 2018, Fall 2018, and Winter 2019). Personal level PM exposures were assessed for 19 individuals for 72 hours in each season. Participants were the MicroPEM and recorded their time and activities during the monitoring period.

Spatio-temporal variabilities of ambient PM_2.5 concentrations were assessed, and the data were compared with reference monitors collocated at three locations: two state monitoring stations at a near-road site (intersection of I-70 and I-25) and a community monitoring site, and one city monitoring station at an elementary school near I-70. Factors that impacted ambient air quality were examined through identifying associations with specific events (e.g., July 4^th recreation activities), meteorology (e.g., precipitation), and proximity to highways and industrial facilities.

The personal PM levels were compared between individuals and within individuals in three different seasons as well as stationary monitoring data. Individuals’ time activity diaries were used to identify the cause of high PM exposure events, which helped research staff and participant identify action steps to reduce the PM exposures. Exposure levels between indoor and outdoor locations were also compared to understand the influence of lifestyle and activity types in different seasons.

Evaluate the effectiveness of sensor data communication approaches for improving knowledge:

Several community-based events were held in the fall and winter of 2019 to share the results of air quality monitoring. In order to gain insight into how the event was received, we requested attendees to complete a questionnaire following the presentation. The questionnaires collected information about how much they felt the session had improved their ability to interpret and apply PM_2.5 data; and if they satisfy with the presentation.

Supports for Effective Translation

We are taking a multi-faceted approach for translating air quality and personal exposure information with the goal to improve environmental health literacy and support the ability for informed decision making. This includes developing a website for our project, a blueprint for conducting air quality monitoring in communities, and educational resources.

Future Activities:

We are planning to continue knowledge translation activities and developing approaches to use online-based platform given COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. We are also intending to have online class modules developed for high school students. Results from the study will be used to develop best practices for citizen science framework. Four manuscripts are being prepared for peer-reviewed journal publication. Project website will be completed to share the project results.

Journal Articles:

No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 17 publications for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

Air quality, air sensor, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, exposure, risk, health effects, indoor air, outdoor air, human health, health effects, citizen science, environmental health literacy, community health, actionable knowledge

Relevant Websites:

Annual Environmental Justice Progress Reports

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.