Boston, MA

Climate and environment | 2025

Identifying neighborhood air pollution hotspots and high-risk periods to inform advocacy for better air quality.

Poor indoor and outdoor air quality is associated with a range of health conditions and can affect people’s overall quality of life. East Boston is an urbanized area with limited green space and tree cover. Proximity to three transportation routes with tunnels and an international airport increases the neighborhood’s air pollution, leading to more health risks for residents. For example, one study found that East Boston’s children had higher rates of asthma than children in other parts of Boston. Neighborhood for Affordable Housing (NOAH), a community development corporation, will lead this project to identify air pollution hotspots and high-risk periods, equipping East Boston residents with the information they need to advocate for better environmental protections.

NOAH will install additional air quality sensors in the neighborhood and train residents in their youth leadership program on air quality data analysis and interpretation and public presentations. Once youth leaders identify where, why, and how air pollution affects residents, they will present results to East Boston residents through workshops, working sessions, and an East Boston air quality summit.

NOAH will share these data with Mothers Out Front East Boston, the East Boston Air Coalition, Tufts University, and the East Boston community. Findings will help community partners and residents advocate with policymakers to improve air quality and remediate the current health risks. The project will also help Neighborhood of Affordable Housing expand their air purifier distribution programs and establish targeted interventions to reduce harmful exposure.