Assessing Air Quality and Socioeconomic Impacts in Rio Grande Valley Schools in South Texas: A Study Using Low-Cost PM2.5 Sensors

Air pollution represents a significant threat to human health, with children being particularly vulnerable. In the United States, children spend approximately 6 to 10 hours per day in schools, exposed to indoor and outdoor air pollutants. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV), located along the U.S.-Mexico border, faces notable environmental pollution challenges due to its geographic and industrial context. The RGV is predominantly Hispanic/Latino, comprising nearly 92% of the population. However, the region is served by only five continuous ambient monitoring sites (CAMS) for air quality.

Our research aims to investigate the spatial and temporal trends of air quality in the RGV, with a focus on 13 schools (elementary, middle, and high schools). To achieve this, we deployed low-cost sensors for ground-based monitoring of PM2.5 across these schools. Our study will analyze the findings related to air quality at these institutions and integrate socioeconomic indicators to provide a comprehensive understanding of the exposure risks. Additionally, we conducted educational activities within the schools to enhance students' awareness and knowledge about air quality.