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

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...