Fullerton, Buena Park, Anaheim, and Orange are four highly diverse cities in northern Orange County, located within the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Despite relatively high median incomes, there are significant pockets of low-income families and neighborhoods facing elevated pollution exposure-especially near freeways and industrial corridors. Key air pollution sources include heavy traffic, local industry, and wildfire smoke, all contributing to higher rates of asthma and respiratory issues, particularly among children, seniors, and communities of color.
The district has teamed up with Aclima and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to launch a community air monitoring project guiding future actions as a part of SMMI. Using Aclima’s advanced sensors, the project collects detailed, block-by-block data on air quality throughout the community. This provides residents with clear information about local pollution and helps guide actions to improve air quality, focusing on the areas and people most affected.
In April 2025, residents and stakeholders from these cities met to discuss these pressing air quality concerns and explore solutions for a healthier, more equitable future.
