Through El Aire Que Respiramos, a Latino-serving church in Blue Island 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, and prenatal development impairments, and low birth weight—using PurpleAir PA-II-SD sensors. 

From January 1 to December 31, 2024, the air pollution monitoring site recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 8.7 µg/m³, fluctuating throughout the year, frequently surpassing the EPA’s 9.0 µg/m³ safety limit. The highest number of exceedance days occurred in February, followed by January, while April, May, June, September, and October showed relatively cleaner air days within safe limits.

“These results show that Blue Island’s air quality is right on the edge,” said Hilda Berganza, Climate Program Manager at Hispanic Access Foundation. “Barely meeting the EPA’s safety standard doesn’t mean the air is safe for everyone—particularly children, seniors, and people with respiratory conditions. This data is a reminder that clean air advocacy must continue until all communities can breathe healthy air every day.”

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.

“People’s health, well-being, and future are at stake,” said Nikita Sieker, air quality site manager in Blue Island. “I want to raise awareness about the health implications of PM2.5 and help spark a bigger conversation so that our government officials prioritize the reduction of air pollution.” 

Illinois is one of several states participating in El Aire Que Respiramos, alongside sites in California, Texas, Idaho, 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 Illinois.

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.