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

BACKGROUND: Community air pollution science serves as a vital tool in public health and urban planning, enabling communities to advocate for policy changes that improve public health outcomes. Despite its potential, there is a noticeable gap in translating research findings into policy actions. OBJECTIVES: This review aims to assess the focus of studies on community air pollution science published between 1990-2023 and identify the extent to which these studies address the research-to-policy gap. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive review of 131 studies that utilize low-cost sensors for monitoring air pollution. The review specifically looked for how these studies contribute to bridging the research-to-policy gap. RESULTS: Our findings indicate a significant emphasis on evaluating the performance of low-cost sensors, with 90% of the studies centered on this aspect. Only 10% of the studies explicitly aimed at addressing the research-to-policy gap. Among these, 10 studies employed distinct theories of change to tackle this issue effectively. CONCLUSION: There is a critical need for a paradigm shift in community science research to enhance the impact of scientific findings on policy-making. This shift should include strategies such as equitable sensor distribution, a broader focus on regions in the Global South, and proactive engagement with policymakers from the early stages of research. RECOMMENDATIONS: Future research should prioritize closing the research-to-policy gap by incorporating these strategies to ensure that community air pollution science fully realizes its potential in shaping public health policies.