Torrance is a diverse community in Los Angeles County within the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Home to over 140,000 residents who are predominantly Asian and White, Torrance faces significant air pollution challenges from sources like the Torrance Refinery, busy transportation corridors, and nearby ports, with health concerns including elevated asthma rates and exposure to pollutants such as benzene and particulate matter.

The city 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.  

This effort was highlighted at a community meeting in April where residents, city officials, and environmental groups gathered to discuss local air quality concerns and share input on how the project can best serve Torrance’s unique needs and diverse voices.