By Arisvet Garay, Construction Engineering Major, Mentor Jaimie Ritchie. Today, pollution levels in many areas of the United States exceed national air quality standards for at least one of the six common pollutants, affecting millions of people and causing serious health problems. The United States Environmental Protection Agency developed the Air Quality Index to inform the public about the health effects of these pollutants on a daily basis. These six common pollutants, known as Criteria Air Pollutants, include Ozone, Particulate Matter, Carbon Monoxide, Lead, Sulfur Dioxide, and Nitrogen Dioxide. Their concentrations can vary throughout the year depending on the seasons. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, the community of the South Valley has air quality concerns. Increasing community awareness is crucial for improving public health. By educating residents about air quality and the timing of pollutant peaks, the community can make informed decisions about outdoor activities. Various factors contribute to the highly polluted air in the South Valley, a semi-rural, semi-urban community with agricultural and industrial uses. The majority of the population in this community are Hispanics, and there is a lack of awareness regarding these fluctuations. For this communication project, I created a zine that describes each of the Criteria Air Pollutants, displays their potential health risks, and explains when and why they peak at certain times of the year. The purpose of my communication project is to capture the residents’ attention and help them better understand the Criteria Air Pollutants, their sources, and health impacts. Additionally, I have personalized my zine for the Hispanic community by translating the communication project in Spanish to create a more welcoming approach. My goal is to effectively educate residents about the harmful effects of the Criteria Air Pollutants.
