Air quality improved but racial and ethnic disparities in deaths and disease widened, study finds
Air quality improved but racial and ethnic disparities in deaths and disease widened, study finds WFYI
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Deaths and Disease Linked to Air Pollution in the United States
According to a new peer-reviewed study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspective, deaths and disease related to air pollution have decreased across the United States in recent decades. However, not all communities are benefiting equally from this progress.
Health Disparities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The study found that ethnic and racial disparities in rates of premature deaths and disease caused by particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide have actually widened between 2010 and 2019. This highlights the need to address health disparities and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Key Findings
- In 2019, there were nearly 50,000 premature deaths and over 100,000 new cases of pediatric asthma in the U.S. due to air pollution.
- Three of the cities with the highest pollution-related mortality and morbidity are located in the Midwest and surrounding region.
- Indiana had 1,636 premature deaths and 2,115 new cases of pediatric asthma due to pollution in 2019, while Illinois had even higher rates with 2,683 premature deaths and 7,683 new cases of pediatric asthma.
Air Pollution Reduction Efforts
All population groups in the U.S. have experienced a decrease in air pollution thanks to measures such as the Clean Air Act. However, the gap between air pollution levels in White communities compared to communities of color has actually grown. This highlights the need for more inclusive and equitable policies to address air pollution and its health impacts.
Impact of Air Pollution on Health
Ambient nitrogen dioxide pollution, primarily caused by cars and trucks in urban areas, is linked to increased rates of pediatric asthma. The pollutant most responsible for premature mortality is PM2.5, or soot, which often comes from fossil fuels. Soot can cause serious health impacts such as bronchitis and asthma, which disproportionately affect communities of color.
Widening Disparities
The study revealed that the racial gap between the least and most White communities has widened by 16% for premature deaths related to soot and 19% for nitrogen dioxide attributable pediatric asthma between 2010 and 2019. Additionally, ethnic disparities in rates of pediatric asthma and premature deaths caused by these pollutants have increased by 10% and 40% respectively over the same period.
Environmental Justice and Urban Planning
Marginalized neighborhoods often experience higher levels of pollution due to discriminatory zoning measures and redlining. These practices have resulted in the concentration of refineries, power plants, and highways in these areas. Addressing environmental justice issues is crucial for achieving the SDGs and promoting equitable access to clean air and good health.
Policy Recommendations
The study’s authors suggest implementing more stringent air quality policies to address these disparities. Some potential solutions include:
- Stricter engine emission standards for vehicles
- Rethinking freight travel and expanding the use of trains and other eco-efficient transportation
These policy measures, along with supporting local businesses and farmers markets, can contribute to reducing air pollution and improving public health outcomes.
Recent Developments
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to tighten standards around soot in order to prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths by 2032. The Biden administration estimates that every $1 spent on this action would generate as much as $77 in health benefits. These efforts align with the SDGs and demonstrate a commitment to achieving Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Contact health reporter Elizabeth Gabriel at egabriel@wfyi.org.
Side Effects Public Media is a health reporting collaboration based at WFYI in Indianapolis. We partner with NPR stations across the Midwest and surrounding areas — including KBIA and KCUR in Missouri, Iowa Public Radio, Ideastream in Ohio, and WFPL in Kentucky.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.9: Premature deaths and disease attributable to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide.
- Indicator for SDG 10.2: Disparities in rates of premature deaths and disease between different ethnic and racial communities.
- Indicator for SDG 11.6: Air pollution levels in different communities, particularly the gap between White communities and communities of color.
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Reduction in air pollution levels and the implementation of air quality policies.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Premature deaths and disease attributable to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Disparities in rates of premature deaths and disease between different ethnic and racial communities. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Air pollution levels in different communities, particularly the gap between White communities and communities of color. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Reduction in air pollution levels and the implementation of air quality policies. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: wfyi.org
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