Paramount and North Long Beach are neighboring, diverse communities located in Los Angeles County within the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Home to a vibrant mix of Latino, Black, Asian, and immigrant families, these areas reflect a rich cultural heritage and strong community ties.
Both Paramount and North Long Beach face significant air quality challenges. Paramount has a history of industrial pollution, with residents concerned about toxic metals from local facilities, while North Long Beach is impacted by heavy freight traffic, the nearby port, and major freeways, resulting in high levels of diesel exhaust, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides. These pollution burdens have led to elevated rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses, particularly affecting children and older adults.
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, community organizations, and project partners gathered to discuss ongoing air quality concerns, help shape the Community Air Monitoring Plan, and explore solutions for a healthier and more equitable future in Paramount and North Long Beach.
