A hazy urban skyline surrounded by trees — a reminder that the air we share connects our cities, our communities, and our health.
A hazy urban skyline surrounded by trees — a reminder that the air we share connects our cities, our communities, and our health.
The Air We Share
At Sanofi, we aim to help people better understand how environmental factors impact health.
The Air We Share is a national partnership between Sanofi and the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)’s Seeding Action, that helps communities understand how environmental factors like air pollution, wildfire smoke, and extreme heat affect respiratory health.
By working with science centers and museums across the United States, the program brings trusted, science-based information directly to communities, providing them with practical ways families can protect their health and make informed everyday decisions.
Breathing is more tied to the environment than we think
Every breath we take is shaped by the world around us. The air we breathe, whether affected by pollution, smoke, or extreme heat, can have a direct impact on our health, especially our lungs.
The Air We Share is designed to help make that connection visible, so individuals and communities can better understand the risks and take action to protect their health.
Anchored Locally, Connected Nationally
Three leading science institutions serve as anchor partners—helping guide program development, support collaboration, and share learnings across the network:
- The Franklin Institute – Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of Science – Boston, MA
- Liberty Science Center – Jersey City, NJ
In addition, 11 science centers and museums from across the country will join the cohort, receive funding, program resources, and access to scientific experts.
Together, these institutions will design and deliver programming to educate children in grades K-12 through a variety of museum activations and community events.
Rooted in Data
The Air We Share is grounded in research that highlights both growing concern about air quality and a clear need for more accessible, actionable information.
Recent national research conducted through a collaboration between ASTC and Sanofi reveals a significant gap between awareness and action when it comes to air quality and health. These findings underscore the need for trusted, community-based programs that translate concern into meaningful action, an opportunity The Air We Share is designed to address.
87%
of parents are concerned about how air quality impacts their family’s health
63%
believe their children have already experienced negative health effects from poor air quality
Only 37%
regularly check air quality reports
84%
say they want to do more to protect their families
86%
want to learn more about the causes and impacts of poor air quality
Meet Lungston
Lungston is our newest Sanofi Employee, a friendly lung-shaped character, designed to make complex science about air quality and respiratory health accessible and engaging, especially for younger audiences.
Lungston will be traveling to museums all across the country. You will see him in exhibits, signage, and interactive experiences to help children and families understand how their lungs work, what’s in the air they breathe, and how to take simple steps to protect their health.
Hi, I’m Lungston! I’ll be helping young learners explore how the air we breathe affects our lungs, our health, and our communities.
Lungston
Educational Guide, The Air We Share
How Air Impacts Your Respiratory Health
Your lungs process over 2,000 gallons of air every day¹
This is enough to fill a swimming pool! The quality of that air directly affects your respiratory health and overall well-being.
Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles from its source²
This affects air quality in communities far from the fires themselves and can cause respiratory symptoms even indoors.
Indoor air quality matters too³
Pollutants from outdoor air can enter homes and buildings, but simple actions like closing windows during poor air quality days and using air filtration can help protect your family.
Children are more susceptible to air pollution⁴
Their lungs are still developing, causing them to breathe more rapidly than adults.
Air pollution can trigger or worsen respiratory conditions⁵
Including asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases, with children and older adults particularly vulnerable.
Take the Next Step
For more guidance on how to protect yourself and your family, explore some practical tips and resources.
Explore More
STEMulate Growth
STEMulate Growth is Sanofi’s overarching commitment to advance inclusion in STEM learning for students in historically under supported communities across the U.S.
About the ASTC Partnership
The Air We Share, a partnership between Sanofi and ASTC’s Seeding Action initiative, supports science centers and museums in the United States to engage with their local communities on the ways that environmental challenges like air pollution, wildfires, and extreme heat affect human health.
The Air We Share Data Report
A national survey of parents in the US showed a gap between concern about air quality and action to protect children’s respiratory health.
References
- American Lung Association. How Your Lungs Work. https://www.lung.org/blog/how-your-lungs-work
- California Air Resources Board. Smoke Ready CA. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/smokereadyca
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Improving Indoor Air Quality. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/improving-indoor-air-quality
- American Lung Association. Who Is at Risk from Outdoor Air Pollution. https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/who-is-at-risk
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Air Pollution. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/air-pollution