Boston’s Community Clean Air Grants program has awarded two grants totaling $96,134 to Mothers Out Front East Boston and the Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) for their projects to improve air quality. The Community Clean Air Grants program is offered by the city’s Environment Department and the Air Pollution Control Commission.
“Boston residents know the critical urgency of protecting our environment and mitigating the extent of air pollution in our communities,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “I am proud to award these community-based organizations with the Community Clean Air Grant to continue supporting their crucial work to protect health and quality of life in Boston.”
Mothers Out Front East Boston is a nonprofit focused on fighting for a livable climate for future generations. Their ‘East Boston Home Daycare Air Purification’ project will install HEPA purifiers in 27 East Boston home daycares.
“Studies show that 70% of East Boston pollution makes it indoors. 21% of residents in East Boston are children who are especially vulnerable to the many health effects of air pollution,” said Sonja Tengblad and Liliana Arteaga, Mothers Out Front East Boston. “Specific models of HEPA purifiers can reduce their exposure to ultrafine particulate pollution by up to 94%. By supporting the childcare providers who care for our youngest populations, we are helping to protect one of our most vulnerable populations in East Boston. We are grateful to the City of Boston for their generous support.”
HEET’s ‘Breathe Easy with Induction Cooking’ project will work to improve indoor air quality for residents who both have asthma and use a gas stove.
“Studies have shown that homes with inadequately vented natural gas stoves can have nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels that exceed outdoor air pollution standards, and can increase asthma rates in children,” said Molly Fairchild, from HEET. “This grant will help reduce indoor air emissions for Boston families affected by asthma, by offering clean, safe, fast cooking with induction. We are so grateful to Mayor Janey and the City’s Environment Department for supporting this project.”