In the U.S., Hispanic people are disproportionately exposed to harmful air pollution.
They’re more likely to work outdoors in agriculture or construction, so they may be more exposed to wildfire smoke.
And in many areas, neighborhoods with large Hispanic populations are more likely to be located near highways, or oil and gas plants — sources of pollution that can worsen heart and lung diseases.
Rosas: “When the air quality is not OK, we … want to bring awareness to that so we can make positive change for our communities and for the next generations to come.”
Juan Rosas is with the Hispanic Access Foundation, which recently launched El Aire Que Respiramos, or The Air We Breathe.
It’s an effort to monitor air quality in 12 cities with large Hispanic populations — in California, Texas, Nevada, Idaho, and Illinois.
The group will place sensors at community centers, churches, and schools to measure air pollution.
The data will help people know when local air quality is bad so they can take action to stay safe and push for change.
Rosas: “That is the goal. It’s not just collecting the data, but it’s also advocacy work, training our local communities to know that they have a voice.”
Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media
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