CEED’s research on air pollution provides a prime example of how the CEC has disseminated scientific findings to stimulate community action. Center researchers have long investigated ozone and particulate matter air pollution beginning with fundamental questions about biological mechanisms of injury and biomarkers of local and systemic inflammatory responses following exposure to these agents.

Other work has focused on the science of exposure to these air pollutants, including understanding of the complex, real-world mixtures and reaction products of multiple air pollutants in naturalistic settings indoors, on roadways, and in communities with multiple sources.

Through a community-initiated pilot grant funded by CEED, CEC collaborated with community partners (Sustainable Contact PD/PI: Zarbl, Helmut CEC-001 (269) Research Strategy Page 345 Jersey City, Groundwork Elizabeth, South Ward Environmental Alliance) to address shared air quality concerns related to port and transportation sources in Newark, Elizabeth, and Jersey City. CEC worked with Sustainable Jersey City to analyze black carbon, particulate matter (PM)2.5, and ozone data from ~30 volunteer car rides in conjunction with temperature/humidity data and heat island mapping during the 2021 Heat Watch campaign.

The Heat Watch/CEED pilot project led to a successful proposal for a network of community air monitors in Jersey City to better assess neighborhood air quality.