Comprehensive air pollution monitoring of industrial sources in MetroEast, Illinois.

Air Quality
Written By United Congregations Metro East

The Metro-East area faces a growing air quality crisis, with reports from the Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA consistently showing high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter in industrial zones. Data from the American Lung Association and Illinois Department of Public Health reveal alarming health disparities, with vulnerable communities experiencing increased rates of respiratory illnesses. Research from ProPublica and the Union of Concerned Scientists highlights the environmental inequity, as industrial pollution disproportionately affects minority and low-income neighborhoods. However, solutions exist—real-time air quality monitoring, as supported by Harvard and the Environmental Defense Fund, has proven effective in raising awareness and driving change.

Our Air Quality Monitoring Project is a community-focused initiative designed to study and address air pollution risks in Metro-East, Illinois. Key components of this project include:

  • Air Quality Sensor Network: A real-time monitoring system providing public access to data on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and air pollutants.

  • Community Supersite: A central monitoring station measuring particulate matter (PM10) and toxic metals.

  • Education and Outreach: Engaging schools, congregations, and residents through workshops, awareness campaigns, and air quality alerts.

  • Data and Impact: Using collected data for source identification, health risk assessments, and advocacy for policy improvements.

Partner Organizations

UCM works with incredible partners to amplify our impact and provide additional resources for learning and action. Explore these organizations and tools:

References for Statistics

Metro East Air Quality Concerns

  • Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA): Air quality reports consistently show elevated levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter in industrial zones such as Metro East.

  • S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Data from the National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) highlights higher pollutant concentrations in Metro East compared to state averages.

  • Link: https://www.epa.gov/national-air-toxics-assessment

Health Disparities

  • American Lung Association (ALA): Studies in Illinois show increased risks of respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis in low-income areas with high pollutant exposure.

  • Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH): Health reports identify disproportionate impacts of air pollution on vulnerable populations.

  • Link: https://www.lung.org/research/sota

Environmental Inequity

  • ProPublica Environmental Justice Mapping Tool: Highlights Metro East as a hotspot for industrial pollution, with clustering near minority and low-income communities.

  • Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS): Documents the disproportionate placement of industrial facilities near disadvantaged neighborhoods in Illinois.

  • Link: https://www.ucsusa.org

Community Impact and Air Quality Monitoring

  • Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Real-time sensor networks have been shown to improve public awareness and lead to actionable outcomes in disproportionately impacted communities.

  • Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): Research underscores the effectiveness of air quality sensors in covering large geographic areas.

  • Link: https://www.edf.org

United Congregations Metro East
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