SERI Staff Contribute to Groundbreaking Study on Workplace Air Quality in Small Businesses

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0346356

The Sonora Environmental Research Institute (SERI), in collaboration with University of Arizona and El Rio Community Health Center, is proud to announce the publication of a new peer-reviewed study examining occupational health risks in small businesses. The research, published in PLOS ONE on April 27, 2026, highlights the critical role of community-based interventions in addressing environmental health disparities among marginalized workers.

The study evaluated whether a community health worker (CHW)-led intervention could reduce exposure to harmful airborne chemicals—specifically volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—in small auto repair and beauty shops in Tucson. These workplaces are common in low-income communities and often employ a high percentage of Latino workers, who are disproportionately affected by occupational health risks.

SERI’s team of trained community health workers, also known as Promotoras, played a central role in the study. They worked directly with shop owners and employees to assess workplace conditions, provide culturally relevant education, and recommend practical solutions to reduce chemical exposure. Each participating business received up to $300 to implement safety improvements such as air purifiers, ventilation upgrades, and safer product practices.

The study included 84 small businesses and analyzed over 800 workshift measurements of air quality. While the intervention did not produce statistically significant reductions in VOC levels overall, the findings revealed important trends. Beauty shops—particularly those offering both hair and nail services—had significantly higher levels of VOC exposure compared to auto repair shops, in some cases up to ten times higher. Additionally, the majority of beauty shops were found to have ventilation rates below recommended health standards.

Encouragingly, the intervention showed potential in beauty shop settings, where results suggested an average reduction in VOC exposure following the implementation of recommended controls. Although not statistically conclusive, these findings indicate that community-driven approaches may play a meaningful role in improving workplace air quality when paired with stronger resources and policy support.

The research also underscores the effectiveness of SERI’s community-based model. With a 93% retention rate among participating businesses, the study demonstrates the value of trusted, culturally competent outreach in engaging underserved communities. By empowering workers and business owners with knowledge and tools, CHWs helped identify solutions that were both practical and acceptable within real-world working conditions.

“This study reinforces what we see every day in our work,” said SERI staff involved in the project. “Communities know what they need—but they need access, resources, and support to make meaningful changes. Our promotoras are key to bridging that gap.”

The findings point to an urgent need for improved ventilation standards, increased awareness of occupational hazards in beauty industry settings, and expanded investment in community-led health interventions. As SERI continues its work across Southern Arizona, this research provides a strong foundation for future programs and advocacy efforts aimed at protecting the health of workers in small businesses.

The full study, titled “Community health worker intervention to reduce worker exposure to volatile organic compounds in small business auto and beauty shops in a marginalized community: A cluster randomized controlled trial,” is available through PLOS ONE.