Air Quality
Beginning in 2020, Central Michigan Uni- versity partnered with laboratories across Michigan to monitor SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens in rural wastewater systems, pro- viding early warning of disease trends to local health departments. By collecting and ana- lyzing samples from rural communities, the university enabled public health ocials to respond proactively, oering targeted inter- ventions, communication, and increased test- ing where viral loads were rising. Over 5 years, the project expanded to track norovirus, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and influenza, illustrating how wastewater surveillance can be a crucial tool for community health pro- tection and pandemic preparedness. Emergency Preparedness Beyond ongoing risks, environmental health professionals must also be ready to respond to sudden crises. The following story high- lights how academic training and real-world emergency preparedness converge to keep communities safe during emergencies. In today’s complex world, threats to public and environmental health often go unnoticed until disaster strikes. There is a growing need for professionals who can anticipate, prevent, and respond to these hidden dangers, espe- cially in underserved or rural communities where resources are limited. The University of Findlay’s Bachelor of Science in Environmen- tal Health, Safety and Sustainability (EHSS), and Master of Science in Environmental, Safety, and Health Management programs address this need by preparing students to lead in emer- gency preparedness, environmental protection, and workplace safety. An example is the All- Hazards Training Center, which provided free, hands-on emergency response training to rural firefighters, including the team that responded to the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment without injury or loss of life. University of Findlay further extended this impact by integrating real-world events into coursework and engaging with local com- munities. As a result, students, faculty, and alumni are making a measurable dierence in public safety and environmental health. Whether managing hazardous waste, clean- ing waterways, or responding to emergencies, they deliver “invisible” protection that saves lives and safeguards ecosystems. Graduates go on to lead in industry and government, driving compliance, training, and sustainability initia-
ence while directly contributing to improved respiratory health and increased environmen- tal awareness in their local communities. University of Washington’s Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sci- ences (DEOHS) is a national leader in research, outreach, and policy innovation to address the escalating health risks of wildfire smoke in the Pacific Northwest. DEOHS faculty and stu- dents collaborate with public health agencies, community-based organizations, and tribal partners to conduct health eects research, implement exposure reduction interventions, and co-develop culturally relevant risk com- munication strategies. Research from the department has characterized statewide health risks, demonstrated disproportionate smoke exposures among Indigenous Peoples and agri- cultural worker communities, led to the imple- mentation and evaluation of interventions such as box fan filters and N95 mask distribution programs, and shaped state emergency rules to protect outdoor workers. By integrating real- time air quality data, community-driven sto- rytelling, and targeted, evidence-based inter- ventions, DEOHS empowers Washingtonians to better prepare for and respond to wildfire smoke, building resilience in the face of longer, more severe wildfire seasons. West Chester University’s Environmen- tal Health Science Program is addressing air quality concerns related to the region’s mush- room farming industry, the largest in the U.S. Faculty and students conducted a two-phase environmental sampling study that found elevated and irregular hydrogen sulfide (HS) concentrations on residential properties near mushroom production facilities—sometimes exceeding state air quality standards. Their ongoing research, funded by the Pennsyl- vania Department of Agriculture, includes expanded monitoring and weather data col- lection to better understand and mitigate exposure risks for both workers and nearby residents. This work is vital for informing public health policies and ensuring safer environments in agricultural communities. Disease Transmission While clean air is fundamental, the control of infectious disease transmission is another cornerstone of environmental health. The next example demonstrates how programs are using surveillance and early warning systems to protect communities from emerging threats.
So, let us begin by building on the founda- tion of prevention and unseen impact with air quality—a domain where environmental health professionals work tirelessly to ensure the air we breathe is safe, even when the haz- ards are invisible. Illinois State University’s Environmental Health & Sustainability program is making a measurable dierence in local air quality and environmental justice. Through the Bloom- ington-Normal Community Air Research and Education (BN-CARE) project, students and faculty partnered with the Ecology Action Center and the Bloomington-Normal National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to install solar-powered and portable air quality monitors in environmen- tal justice neighborhoods. The real-time data, made available on BNCARE.org, have raised awareness of air pollution and its health eects, helping residents and local leaders to make informed decisions. This initiative not only advances scientific understanding but also pro- vides a model for community-driven environ- mental health action. This research, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), exemplifies the program’s commitment to reducing exposure to environmental hazards and improving public health outcomes. University of Pittsburgh’s Environmen- tal & Occupational Health students in the School of Public Health are engaged in com- munity-based participatory research explor- ing the relationship between poor indoor and outdoor air quality and asthma severity in several Pittsburgh-area townships. Their work includes interventions using low-cost options to enhance indoor air quality and reduce the respiratory health impacts of pol- lution. Students also participate in commu- nity engagement eorts to train and educate residents on the US EPA’s AirNOW system, air pollution, and its eects on health. Through these projects, students gain practical experi-
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September 2025 • Journal of Environmental Health
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