Air quality in oakland
People living in East and West Oakland face many health disparities and a major contributor to poor health is the air quality. Due to the presence of many industrial facilities such as crematoriums and pipe manufacturers, and the high level vehicular emissions from the I-880 freeway, Oakland residents are breathing in highly polluted air compared to the residents living in the Hills. The presence of these pollution sites can be traced back to the redlining of Oakland, which purposefully included the development of freeways, BART lines, and industrial sites in Black, Brown, Asian, and Indigenous neighborhoods. To this day, residents in the flatlands have a lower life expectancy of up to 7-10 years and higher rates of cancer, respiratory illness, and cardiac issues.
East and West Oakland’s history of air pollution has led these regions to be included in the AB 617 program through the State. AB 617 addresses the pollution burden in areas of California and works to advance community solutions to mitigation of air pollution exposure and impact. With support from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, HOPE Collaborative is able to address pollution impacts and support community-led solutions in Oakland’s Districts 6 and 7.
East and West Oakland’s history of air pollution has led these regions to be included in the AB 617 program through the State. AB 617 addresses the pollution burden in areas of California and works to advance community solutions to mitigation of air pollution exposure and impact. With support from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, HOPE Collaborative is able to address pollution impacts and support community-led solutions in Oakland’s Districts 6 and 7.
Air Quality survey
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From March to September 2023, HOPE conducted an online survey for East Oakland residents regarding their knowledge of air quality and environmental issues in their communities. In total, 60 residents completed the survey and answered questions regarding pollution sites, ways the the City of Oakland can address pollution, and how people avoid pollution amongst other questions. A summary of the survey results can be found here. The survey was supplemented with online listening sessions with community members. Here, survey participants had the opportunity to expand on their survey answers and provide more information and share their experiences. A summary of these sessions can be found here.
Air Purifier ProgramIn partnership with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, HOPE is currently distributing over 40 home air purifiers to East Oakland residents. Air purifiers help ensure that indoor air quality is safe to breathe by eliminating pollutants like smoke, dust, mold, and other particles from the air. Purifiers are especially important for residents living near pollution sites like the freeway or construction zones. Due to yearly wildfires, smoke travels from the North down into the Bay Area and creates dangerously high levels of pollution. Air purifiers, combined with closed doors and windows, can help keep residents safe. There are a limited number of purifiers available. Please fill out this form to reserve one today.
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Air Quality Resource Guide
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HOPE, with support from various groups, individuals, and orgs, created an Air Quality Resource Guide to be distributed to Oakland residents in efforts to educate the larger community on air pollution and air quality health impacts.
The resource guide has basic pollution information including: sources of pollution, what types of pollutants are in the air, how does pollution impact us, and tutorials and advice on how to mitigate exposure and health impacts. This guide is available to view online and can be downloaded, printed, and shared. We appreciate the inclusion of HOPE Collaborative logos and contact information. To download a printable booklet click here. To download as a PDF click here. |
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Education Sessions
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HOPE lead a community education session on the topic of pollution and air quality via Zoom in response to the results of the survey. Many participants in the survey responded that the community needs more education on what air pollution is, where it comes from, and how it impacts health. A recording of the session can be found on the right. Below are other resources reference in the recording.
Additional Resources:
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Get in touch
Questions or comments regarding our air quality work? Contact Environmental Justice Co-Director, Janina Turner.