Community-driven Geospatial Approach to Improving Public Health Data Systems in Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas

Abstract This project hypothesizes significant vulnerability of Beaumont-Port Arthur residents in the Gulf Region of Texas to environmental disasters, notably due to high exposure to harmful air pollution (from major industrial sources), leading to considerable health risks and disparities. The project suggests that these challenges can be effectively addressed through a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, employing a network of low-cost air monitors across various land uses. Dr. Tianjun Lu, the Principal Investigator, with extensive background in air pollution exposure assessment, citizen science, and environmental and transportation planning, will be responsible for the air monitoring campaign of this project. The project spans two years, with the first year dedicated to identifying air monitoring sites in collaboration with the community, developing and testing air quality monitoring devices and protocols, conducting community training in air quality monitoring and data collection, and initiating a neighborhood-level air monitoring campaign covering 250 sites. The second year focuses on the continuation of the air monitoring campaign at an additional 250 sites, analysis of the collected air pollution data, and training community members in data visualization and interpretation, thereby empowering them with the skills to understand ambient (outdoor) exposure assessment and eventually address air quality issues.