Toxic Air: An Examination of the Social and Economic Determinants of Air Quality

According to a 2023 report produced by the American Lung Association, despite decades of progress in cleaning up sources of air pollution, 30% of Americans continue to be exposed to unhealthy air. The historical practice of redlining and other discrimination practices has placed a heavier burden of exposure to toxins on vulnerable communities. Hence, where a person lives can make them more at risk for long-term health effects of exposure to unhealthy air. Another critical factor to consider is that indoor air quality pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations, so staying indoors to protect from poor air quality is not always the solution. This study collects indoor sensor and survey data to understand the social and economic determinants of indoor air quality in Baltimore City.