Healthy Air

The center’s pioneering work in determining how exposure to outdoor air pollution increases the burden of asthma and COPD began with the AIR Louisville project.  In 2015, AIR Louisville enrolled 1,147 Louisvillians and tracked where and when they experienced asthma or COPD symptoms. 1.2 million data points collected by citizen scientists about their asthma triggers were combined with 5.4 million environmental data points to show how air quality impacts asthma events. 

Odor Reporting & Health 

This research explores the relationship between odors and public health in Louisville, Kentucky, using publicly available and community-generated data from the Smell MyCity app. Thousands of smell reports from 2018-2023 have been analyzed and hotspots have been identified for chemical, sewer and industrial odors across Louisville. By comparing health outcomes such as asthma, heart disease and respiratory issues in odor hotspots to other areas in Jefferson County, this study highlights health disparities in areas with high pollution. The project underscores the power of participatory science, enabling residents to contribute vital data to inform environmental justice efforts. Ultimately, this research aims to improve air quality and public health in underserved communities by promoting awareness and data-driven advocacy. This work was presented at the seventh-annual Environmental Justice Conference hosted by the NAACP Louisville Chapter and the West Jefferson County Community Task Force in September 2023, and a publication was submitted to the American Journal of Public Health in November 2024. 

Green Heart Louisville project

The Green Heart Louisville project is a first-of-its-kind longitudinal health study that investigates the relationship between air pollution, heart health and residential greenness. Green Heart examines how roadway air pollution moves throughout neighborhoods and how this exposure impacts the health and well-being of nearby residents. CHAWS supports community engagement efforts, manages auxiliary studies and conducts assessment of pollution exposure through wastewater for the Green Heart project. 

Superfund Research Center

The Superfund Research Center studies how chemical exposures increase risk for developing heart disease, diabetes and liver disease in populations living near toxic waste disposal sites. CHAWS participates in Superfund’s Community Engagement Core (CEC), working together with community members, stakeholders, policymakers and our research team to talk about important issues related to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their effects on health. 

The CEC hosts Superfund’s Community Advisory Board and Community Knowledge Exchange Sessions to discuss topics that matter to residents. The CEC has created easy-to-understand summaries of environmental health research, supported monitoring of VOCs in wastewater, participated in the redevelopment process for the Lee’s Lane Superfund Site and developed a website for the Valley of the Drums Superfund Site. 

Healthy Plants Collection

CHAWS has partnered with Nanz & Kraft Florists to create the Healthy Plants Collection. Indoor plants can significantly enhance the health of our living and working spaces in several ways. They can remove toxins from the air by trapping it on leaf surfaces. The presence of greenness has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and encourage healing, leading to greater focus and productivity. Additionally, plants add aesthetic appeal, creating a more inviting atmosphere that supports overall well-being. Plants in the Nanz & Kraft Healthy Plants Collection enhance the beauty of your home, office or hospital room and play a crucial role in improving mental well-being and air quality. 

Browse the Healthy Plants Collection

Rubbertown Air Toxics and Health Assessment (RATHA)

The Rubbertown Air Toxics and Health Action (RATHA) is a three-year project (2024-2027) with a goal of understanding and mitigating the impacts of air pollution in West Louisville, focusing on the historically industrialized Rubbertown area. This project brings together key local agencies and institutions to conduct rigorous air quality monitoring, develop innovative health assessment tools, and engage deeply with the community to improve public health and environmental conditions.