Hispanic Access Foundation is commemorating the second anniversary of El Aire Que Respiramos (The Air We Breathe), a groundbreaking air quality monitoring initiative that is, for the first time, shedding light on both air pollution and air quality awareness in Latino communities. After two years of community-based monitoring, the project is now beginning to uncover valuable insights into air quality conditions in Latino neighborhoods—insights that had previously been missing.
Launched in 2023, El Aire Que Respiramos (EAQR) has installed PurpleAir sensors in 12 Latino-dense neighborhoods across the U.S., generating real-time air pollution data and empowering residents to take action. The first-of-its-kind initiative, focused on Latino populations, measures air pollutant particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less, referred to as PM2.5 —a dangerous pollutant—in underserved areas where Latino families live, work, attend school, and play. EAQR is filling a critical information gap but also building momentum for clean air community advocacy and community science.
“Fifteen million Latinos live in areas with unsafe air, disproportionately exposed to PM2.5 air pollution,” said Hilda Berganza, Hispanic Access Climate Program Manager. “Yet, until now, many of our communities lacked access to information about the quality of the air they breathe. El Aire Que Respiramos is helping to change that—bringing data, awareness, and the tools to take action directly into our neighborhoods.”
PM2.5 pollution—emitted by vehicle exhaust, wildfires, fossil fuel infrastructure, and industrial waste—can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing or exacerbating asthma, lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and neurological diseases like dementia. Latino children are especially vulnerable, being twice as likely to die from asthma compared to their white counterparts.
The project has begun to yield key takeaways. Despite relying on low-cost PurpleAir sensors, the data has been consistent and reliable across sites, proving that community-based tools can generate robust results. Areas with stronger enforcement of Clean Air Act regulations saw significantly lower pollution levels, affirming the critical role of policy in protecting public health.
EAQR has also highlighted a widespread lack of awareness about PM2.5 and its health impacts within Latino communities. Through EAQR, education and outreach efforts have increased understanding and, in some cases, sparked civic engagement, with residents using the information to speak directly to elected officials and advocate for change.
“Through this project, Latino community members have access to accurate, real-time air quality data measured right in their neighborhoods—something that has never been available to them before,” said Maite Arce, President and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “This information is power. It equips residents with the knowledge they need to protect their health and gives them concrete data to advocate for clean air legislation that truly reflects their lived experiences.”
Monitors have been placed in Hollywood, San Bernardino, Indio, La Mirada, and Commerce, California; El Paso, Weslaco, and Pharr, Texas; Henderson, Nevada; Blue Island, Illinois; and Caldwell, Idaho. The collected data is published in real-time, providing accessible, local information to residents, health professionals, and policymakers. Funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, the project enters its third year, shifting focus to community engagement, policy recommendations, and long-term strategies for reducing pollution exposure in these communities by disseminating findings, highlighting community priorities, and creating pathways for local leaders to engage in advocacy and policy change.