Through El Aire Que Respiramos, three Latino-serving churches in McAllen, Weslaco, and El Paso 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 is one of the most powerful tools for advocacy,” said Hilda Berganza, Climate Program Manager at Hispanic Access Foundation. “When Latino communities have the tools, knowledge, and resources to monitor their own air quality, they gain more than data—they gain agency and the power to drive lasting change.”

The program measured air quality from January 1 to December 31, 2024, revealing both regional and seasonal pollution trends. McAllen and Weslaco recorded annual PM2.5 averages of 8.9 µg/m³ and 9.3 µg/m³, respectively, hovering near or just above the EPA’s clean air standard of 9 µg/m³. Both sites experienced elevated PM2.5 levels during the first five months of the year, with nearly all days from January through April exceeding safety thresholds and the entire month of May registering unsafe concentrations. These spikes were largely driven by agricultural fires in Mexico’s Yucatán region. From July through October, both sites saw improved air quality, though exceedances returned in November and December.

In contrast, El Paso maintained annual PM2.5 concentrations within EPA standards—averaging 6.7 µg/m³—but still experienced short-term exceedances in October and December. Despite meeting fine particulate standards overall, El Paso continues to struggle with ozone pollution, ranking as the ninth most polluted U.S. city for ozone in the 2024 IQAir World Air Quality Report. These findings underscore the importance of continued local efforts to raise awareness, provide communities with the resources to protect themselves from pollution exposure, and advocate for stronger clean air legislation that safeguards public health.

“PM2.5 and air pollution have been linked to premature death,” said Angélica Gómez, air quality site manager in Weslaco. “A lot of people, including some family members, have been diagnosed with respiratory issues. I want to educate those around me and my community so we can improve our health and our children’s future.”

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