How NOAH’s Air Quality Project Is Transforming Environmental Health in East Boston

A Community Fighting for Clean Air

East Boston has long carried an invisible burden—some of the highest asthma rates in the state, heavy traffic congestion, and pollution from airport activity. For more than a decade, NOAH (Neighborhood of Affordable Housing) has been working to change that.

In September 2025, NOAH reactivated its most important environmental initiative to date: the Air Quality Project, a two-year effort designed to provide residents with reliable air quality data, empower youth with scientific training, and improve indoor health for families living in pollution hotspots.

This isn’t just an environmental program—it’s a community-powered movement for cleaner air and a healthier future.

What Is NOAH’s Air Quality Project?

NOAH’s Air Quality Project is a community-driven initiative that uses air sensors across East Boston to track pollution levels in real time, educate residents, and reduce indoor air exposure through air purifier distribution. The project also trains local youth in environmental data analysis and sustainability practices.

Reactivated in September 2025, the project will run for two years and is built on more than 10 years of NOAH’s environmental justice work.

Why East Boston Needs Reliable Air Quality Monitoring

East Boston residents—especially children—are disproportionately affected by asthma and pollution. The neighborhood’s proximity to highways and Logan Airport makes air monitoring not just helpful, but essential.

NOAH’s Air Quality Project addresses these needs by:

1. Providing real-time air quality data through an accessible community dashboard

2. Identifying pollution hotspots using high-accuracy sensors

3. Empowering residents with information to protect their health

4. Supporting future policy advocacy with localized data

How the Project Works: Data, Training, Collaboration

Air Sensors Across East Boston

NOAH installs air quality sensors across the neighborhood, capturing insights on particulate matter and pollution fluctuations. This data will soon be available for residents to view online.

Youth Environmental Leadership Training

NOAH’s Youth Crew plays an essential role in the project. They receive hands-on training in:

1. Environmental science

2. Data analysis and visualization

3. Community education

4. Air purifier assembly and distribution

This prepares young people to become leaders in sustainability and public health.

Community Partnerships That Strengthen the Work

To ensure accuracy and impact, NOAH collaborates with:

1. Northeastern University iSUPER Research Team

2. Mothers Out Front

3. Air Inc.

4. Maverick Landing Community Services (MLCS)

These partnerships combine scientific expertise with grassroots environmental advocacy.

Air Purifiers: Who Receives Them and Why They Matter

In the project’s second year, NOAH will distribute residential air purifiers to families living in the most polluted sectors of East Boston. Distribution will focus on:

1. Community members living near identified pollution hotspots

2. Residents who attend NOAH’s workshops on air quality and indoor air health

This initiative provides immediate relief while long-term policy and environmental improvements continue.

Community Workshops: Education That Creates Action

NOAH offers a series of community-focused environmental workshops, including:

1. Youth Data Analysis Workshops

In partnership with Northeastern University, youth learn how to analyze and interpret air quality data.

2. Community Data Sharing Sessions

Residents review neighborhood pollution trends and discuss ways to reduce exposure.

3. Air Purifier Building Workshops

Participants learn to assemble purifiers and take one home—gaining practical tools and knowledge.

These workshops build environmental literacy and create a community that is informed, engaged, and empowered.

Key Activities of NOAH’s Air Quality Initiative

1. Installation of air sensors

2. Youth environmental data training

3. Community workshops

4. Air purifier building sessions

5. Annual East Boston Air Quality Summit to share results and policy recommendations

Program Objectives

NOAH’s environmental initiatives aim to:

1. Raise awareness about air quality

2. Identify local pollution hotspots

3. Provide temporary relief through air purifiers

4. Support policy change with strong community-based data

How This Project Is Funded

The Air Quality Project is supported by three environmental grants, ensuring long-term monitoring, workshop programming, and youth training.

Get Involved: Help Build a Healthier East Boston

Clean air is a community effort—and NOAH invites residents, partners, and supporters to join us.

If you’d like to learn more, volunteer, or explore collaboration opportunities, contact our environmental program leaders:

Manlio Mendez

Senior Community Organizer

📧 mmendez@noahcdc.org | 📞 (617)-418-8242

Sury Chavez

Youth Program Coordinator

📧 schavez@noahcdc.org | 📞 (617) 567-5882 Ext. 241

Vicente Pereira

Gardening & Environmental Programs Coordinator

📧 vpereiraroa@noahcdc.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long will NOAH’s Air Quality Project run?

The project was reactivated in September 2025 and will run for two years.

Q2: Who benefits from the air purifiers?

Residents living in pollution hotspots and community members attending workshops.

Q3: What organizations partner with NOAH?

Northeastern University iSUPER, Mothers Out Front, Air Inc., and MLCS.

Q4: How can youth participate?

Through NOAH’s Youth Crew, which receives training in environmental science and data analysis.