Through El Aire Que Respiramos, a Latino-serving church in Caldwell measured PM2.5—microscopic air-borne pollutants that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream and directly contribute to asthma, lung cancer, stroke, neurological disorders, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and prenatal development impairment and low birth weight—using PurpleAir PA-II-SD sensors. 

Using the data collected as real-time evidence of air pollution, air quality monitoring site managers have become educators and advocates—raising awareness among their congregations and broader communities, hosting community workshops, roundtable discussions, and informational events, speaking at public forums, providing public comments, and meeting with local and federal officials to discuss air quality concerns. These efforts have inspired residents to become more civically engaged and to advocate directly to their representatives for cleaner, healthier air.

“Community science bridges knowledge and action,” said Hilda Berganza, Climate Program Manager at Hispanic Access Foundation. “By learning how to monitor the air around them, Latino communities are gaining the insights and tools to protect their health and advocate for the cleaner air they deserve.”

The program measured air quality from January 1 to December 31, 2024, revealing an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 10.2 µg/m³, exceeding the EPA’s clean air standard of 9 µg/m³. The data also revealed significant fluctuations in PM2.5 concentrations, with sharp increases during July and August that coincided with wildfire activity in Oregon. These intense pollution episodes drove up the annual average, underscoring how wildfire smoke continues to threaten air quality across the region—even in communities far from the fires themselves.

“Because of where they live and work, many Latinos are regularly exposed to PM2.5 and are at greater risk of developing asthma and lung cancer,” said Bryan Benitez, air quality site manager in Caldwell. “Our goal is to raise awareness and empower them to take informed action to bring positive change in their communities.”

Idaho is one of several states participating in El Aire Que Respiramos, alongside sites in California, Texas, Illinois, and Nevada. The program not only generates local data but also builds national awareness about the inequitable burden of air pollution on Latino communities. Building on this success, El Aire Que Respiramos continues to collect data for 2025. By bringing together science, community experience, and education, the initiative is helping lay the groundwork for more informed, resilient, and proactive Latino communities across Texas.

To learn more about El Aire Que Respiramos and the Hispanic Access Foundation’s work to ensure equitable access to clean air, visit www.hispanicaccess.org.