The Air We Share Project | Air Quality & Respiratory Health in Philadelphia

The Air We Share Project: Air Quality and Respiratory Health in Philadelphia 

Air quality affects how we breathe, learn, work, and move through our communities. Through The Air We Share Project, The Franklin Institute helps Philadelphia-area families, students, educators, and community organizations understand how air pollution, wildfire smoke, and extreme heat can affect respiratory health, and what practical steps we can take to protect ourselves and improve the air we share. 

Why air quality matters in Philadelphia 

Poor air quality can affect breathing, outdoor activity, learning environments, and overall community health. In the Philadelphia region, air quality can be shaped by transportation, buildings, industry, weather, wildfire smoke, and neighborhood conditions. Understanding local air quality helps families, schools, and community organizations make more informed decisions. 

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How can I check air quality near me? 

You can check local air quality by: 

• Looking at the Air Quality Index, or AQI, in your weather app 
• Using Breathe Philly to explore local air monitoring information 
• Using PurpleAir to compare air quality readings in different areas 

How can I protect respiratory health on poor air quality days? 

You can help protect respiratory health by: 

• Checking the AQI before spending extended time outdoors 
• Wearing an effective mask when air quality is poor 
• Improving indoor air quality with HEPA filtration when possible 
• Supporting access to respiratory health care and community health resources 

How can communities improve air quality? 

Communities can help improve air quality by:  

• Reduce pollution from vehicles by taking public transit and supporting policies that expand public transit and bike/pedestrian infrastructure. 
• Reduce pollution from buildings and industry by choosing renewable energy and supporting enforcement of clean air regulations. 
• Prevent and manage wildfires by following fire restrictions and reporting fire hazards to authorities. 
• Expand green infrastructure by planting native trees and plants and supporting policies that expand urban tree canopies, like the Philly Tree Plan. 

What is The Air We Share Project?

The Air We Share Project is a national partnership between Sanofi and the Association of Science and Technology Centers’ Seeding Action initiative. The project helps communities understand how environmental factors such as air pollution, wildfire smoke, and extreme heat affect respiratory health.

At The Franklin Institute, the project comes to life through hands-on activities, youth and community partnerships, and trusted resources designed to help people learn about local air quality and take action in their everyday lives.