Program on the Environment

Wildfire smoke is a significant environmental health risk for Latino agricultural workers, particularly in Washington State counties with high concentrations of both agricultural activity and smoke exposure, such as Yakima, Chelan, and Douglas. All communities are affected by wildfire smoke exposure, but farmworkers are more dangerously impacted by wildfire smoke than other populations. Not having access to Spanish language messaging leaves workers and their families vulnerable to health risks and exploitation. PNASH conducts research in action for the health and safety of Northwest agriculture workers in the Pacific Northwest. I produced a short Spanish-language video developed to deliver protective guidance on wildfire smoke to farm workers. who may be less responsive to traditional public health channels. My capstone project explores how social media interventions reach at-risk populations during smoke emergencies using data analysis of Instagram posts. Engagement metrics such as views, reach, likes, and shares were collected and analyzed to assess effectiveness and guide refinements in message design and delivery. By integrating culture inclusivity and real-time platform analytics, this work contributes to the development of accessible, outreach tools for health risk communication while supporting ongoing efforts to protect workers during wildfire smoke events.