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Through our work we aim to improve community health and engagement.
Particulate matter surveillance is critical in understanding health and discrepancies in health. Particulate matter are tiny particles that are small enough to enter the body through the nose and mouth, eventually reaching the lungs. This may lead to negative health outcomes such as asthma, respiratory inflammation, cancer, etc. Education surrounding air quality is often limited. Through our efforts, we hope to make data simple and accessible to Chicagoans.
Research on particulate matter underrepresents Black, Hispanic, and low-income neighborhoods. In Chicago, there are limited sensor placements in areas where health risks are high. Our research will help provide the representation they deserve.
To place sensors, our team has formed valuable relationships with organizations in Chicago's South and Southwest neighborhoods. Without our community, our work would not be possible.
The project employs undergraduate students; supplying them with a hands-on interdisciplinary learning experience.
Distribution Map
Distribution Map
The distribution map displays Chicago neighborhood demographics across the city compared to neighborhoods with PurpleAir sensors.
The city wide median demographic levels are 15% White, 15% Hispanic, and 13% Black - 17% of the population living under the poverty line and 9% living uninsured.
In comparison, the demographic composition of communities with a sensor includes 45% White, 20% Hispanic, and 11% Black - 15% of the population living under the living under the poverty line and 9% of the uninsured population.
There is a clear difference in sensor coverage among demographic groups - White populations are overrepresented and Black and those living under the poverty line are underrepresented. Even worse, the data gets more skewed when looking at White, Hispanic, and Black-majority neighborhoods.
Health Burden Index
Health Burden Index
The Health Index burden score ranges from a score of 0 to 1, 0 being the lowest and 1 being the highest burden.
The map emphasizes the south and west sides as areas that experience higher health burdens. Residents in these areas bear a disproportionate burden of health risks to pollution and PM2.5.
The areas with the highest health burdens align with a high uncertainty in sensor data and a lack of sensor placements.
The areas with higher health burdens and sensor uncertainty are areas where communities of color and low-income populations face elevated exposure to industrial emissions, traffic-related air pollutions, and legacy contamination.
There is an evident overlap in data in populations of communities of color, low-income, higher health burdens, and elevated pollution.
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