Elizabeth BREATHE Dashboard Launches: Air Quality Research Shows Disparities in Heat and Pollution Exposure

Elizabeth residents now have access to the BREATHE Dashboard, an online resource providing community-level information on air quality and environmental conditions across the city. The launch caps three years of research supported by a $500,000 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant. The Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth, Rutgers University–New Brunswick, and Groundwork Elizabeth partnered on the project.

The research installed air quality sensors across multiple Housing Authority properties and monitored 12 outdoor locations throughout Elizabeth, plus one monitor at the Elizabeth trailer. The dashboard displays data from these monitors, giving residents direct access to air quality information affecting their neighborhoods.

Key findings revealed important disparities in environmental exposure. Young people experienced greater exposure to heat. Seniors faced higher levels of air pollution. Indoor air quality varied considerably between residences, with some apartments showing elevated pollution levels. Outdoor pollution levels generally matched official monitoring stations, confirming the accuracy of the community-based monitoring approach.

William Jones, Executive Director of HACE, explained the study’s purpose. “The purpose of this study was first and foremost to better understand and manage indoor air quality. By installing monitors in buildings throughout the City of Elizabeth, we were able to establish a clear baseline of air quality and identify what steps can be taken moving forward to protect residents and improve conditions,” Jones said.

Clint Andrews, a professor at Rutgers University, described what the team discovered. “We discovered that understanding indoor environments is just as critical as monitoring the outdoors. Fortunately, both the city and its residents can take action,” Andrews said.

For residents, the research identified practical steps to improve air quality. Individuals can avoid smoking and plant trees to expand shade. Air cleaners, including do-it-yourself models, can effectively reduce indoor pollution. At the municipal level, the research recommends stronger enforcement of truck restrictions on local routes, more street trees, bus shelters, and review of landlord-tenant requirements for safe and habitable housing. At the state level, partners recommend supporting expansion of community-based sensor networks to additional communities.

Manny Grova, Jr., City Council President, emphasized the city’s commitment to action. “Residents measured it, and now the City has the data to act on it. Improving air quality takes a partnership between local government and the community, and this research points us to practical steps, including truck route enforcement, shade trees, bus shelters, and safe, habitable housing,” Grova said.

Wynona Ancrum, Resident Commissioner of HACE, spoke from personal experience. “As someone who has lived with asthma and lives near busy roads, trucks, buses, and industrial activity, having this technology gives me peace of mind. I encourage everyone, especially seniors, to get involved in air quality monitoring because it truly makes a difference,” Ancrum said.

The project also created opportunities for youth engagement and intergenerational learning, connecting young people with Housing Authority residents throughout the research process. John Evangelista, Executive Director of Groundwork Elizabeth, highlighted this work. “By employing local youth through the Housing Authority and Groundwork Elizabeth, we’ve witnessed deeply meaningful intergenerational connections with our seniors. Moving forward, we remain dedicated to this vital work and are actively pursuing additional funding to sustain and expand the BREATHE Network,” Evangelista said.

Rutgers University and Groundwork Elizabeth will continue analyzing data, provide technical support for the sensor network, and maintain the BREATHE web portal. The BREATHE Dashboard and local environmental data are available at civic-aq.rutgers.edu. Union County Life has more Elizabeth news and environmental resources.

FAQ:

Q: What is the BREATHE Dashboard?
A: The BREATHE Dashboard is an online resource providing community-level air quality and environmental condition data for Elizabeth residents. It displays data from 12 outdoor monitors across the city and allows residents to monitor air quality in their neighborhoods.

Q: What did the research find?
A: The three-year study found that young people experience greater exposure to heat, while seniors face higher levels of air pollution. Indoor air quality varied significantly between residences, with some apartments showing elevated pollution levels. Outdoor pollution levels matched official monitoring stations.

Q: What can residents do to improve air quality?
A: Residents can avoid smoking, plant trees to expand shade, and use air cleaners (including do-it-yourself models) to reduce indoor pollution.

Q: What recommendations does the research make for the city?
A: The research recommends stronger enforcement of truck restrictions on local routes, more street trees, bus shelters, and review of landlord-tenant requirements for safe and habitable housing.

Q: How can I access the air quality data?
A: The BREATHE Dashboard and air quality data are available at civic-aq.rutgers.edu.