The Role of Community Science in Addressing Policy Change: A Critical Review of Air Pollution Literature

Abstract

Community air pollution science is widely viewed as a powerful public health and urban planning tool that can empower communities to push for policy change to benefit public health outcomes. A review of 131 studies highlights a bias toward the evaluation of low-cost sensor performance. We draw attention to the 10 studies (10%) that address a research-to-policy gap through distinct theories of change. Recommendations include addressing research gaps such as equitable sensor distribution, expanding focus to the Global South, and establishing engagement with policymakers early on in community science research.