A Participatory Approach Towards Reporting and Mitigating Air Pollution and Heat in Durham, NC

Abstract

Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) and air pollution pose significant risks to human and ecological health, with disproportionate effects to vulnerable populations in urban areas such as Durham, NC. Existing studies on air quality and heat rarely consider their interactive effects or use participatory research frameworks to engage impacted communities. To address this gap, this project used a mixed-methods approach, which included analysis of indoor and outdoor weather and air quality as well as interviews and surveys with Durham residents. This approach was used to identify the best methods for reporting community-collected data to help Durham residents understand and improve their exposures and health. Findings from this project were used to co-create data reports for study participants as well as broader community members. This study also provides insights on indoor and outdoor sources of heat and air pollutants that have implications for health outcomes and effective mitigation strategies.