Communities of Color Across the US Suffer A Growing Burden from Polluted Air | Milken Institute School of Public Health | The George Washington University

Study Reveals Growing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Air Pollution-Related Diseases in the US

WASHINGTON (March 6, 2024) — A new study conducted by researchers at the George Washington University highlights the increasing burden of air pollution-related diseases on communities of color in the United States. Despite overall progress in improving air quality, racial and ethnic disparities in cases of pollutant-linked diseases such as asthma have grown over the past decade.

Addressing Environmental Injustice through Place-Based Policies

Gaige Kerr, a Senior Research Scientist at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, emphasizes that systemic racism and redlining have resulted in communities of color being located near heavily polluted areas such as factories, congested roadways, and shipping routes. Kerr argues that this study underscores the need for place-based policies that allocate resources and target action towards historically overburdened communities in the United States.

Quantifying Health Outcomes and Disparities

Kerr and his colleagues conducted a comprehensive analysis of health outcomes at the census tract level, focusing on two damaging pollutants: nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter. By incorporating NASA satellite data, they estimated pollution concentrations and examined how these concentrations and associated health impacts varied based on location.

• Racial and ethnic disparities in health impacts related to nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter have widened over the past decade.
• The relative disparity in premature deaths caused by exposure to fine particulate matter between the least and most white communities in the US increased by 16% during the last decade. The disparity between the least and most Hispanic communities increased by 40%.
• The relative disparity in pediatric asthma caused by exposure to nitrogen dioxide across different racial groups grew by 19% in the US over the past ten years.
• In 2019, an estimated 49,400 premature deaths and nearly 115,000 new cases of pediatric asthma were linked to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, respectively, in the United States.
• Compared to mostly white communities, communities of color in the United States experienced 7.5 times higher pediatric asthma rates and 1.3 times higher premature mortality rates due to these pollutants.

The Health Impacts of Air Pollution

Living in neighborhoods near factories or highways exposes individuals to high levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter. Nitrogen dioxide can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma attacks, especially in children. Fine particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to various diseases such as heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke.

Importance of Continued Regulations and Protection

Susan Anenberg, co-author of the research and director of the GW Climate and Health Institute at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, emphasizes that the health disparities resulting from exposure to these pollutants are larger than the disparities in the exposures themselves. Anenberg stresses the importance of strong regulations to protect air quality and people’s health, particularly as the US presidential election approaches.

Economic Impact and Inadequate Environmental Protection

The study estimates that the monetary value attributed to mortality risk for premature death due to particulate matter, as well as the direct costs of pediatric asthma due to nitrogen dioxide, amounted to $466 billion in 2019, equivalent to approximately 2.2% of the US gross domestic product. Kerr argues that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality standards are not adequately protecting Americans, especially marginalized communities. Despite meeting EPA air quality standards, the study found adverse health effects linked to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide pollution.

The study, titled “Increasing racial and ethnic disparities in ambient air pollution–attributable morbidity and mortality in the United States,” was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives on March 6, 2024. The research was funded by NASA.

Watch this video of Gaige Kerr discussing the study’s findings:

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Identified in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article discusses the growing burden of diseases linked to air pollution, specifically asthma and premature deaths caused by exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter. This connects to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article highlights racial and ethnic disparities in health impacts associated with air pollution. Communities of color experience higher rates of pediatric asthma and premature mortality due to pollutants compared to mostly white communities. This aligns with SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article mentions the adverse environmental impact of cities, particularly in terms of air quality. People living near factories or highways are exposed to high levels of pollutants. This relates to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article emphasizes the importance of strong regulations to protect air quality and people’s health. It also criticizes the inadequacy of current air quality standards, highlighting the need for climate action. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

The article discusses the increasing racial and ethnic disparities in health impacts associated with nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. The target of reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution is relevant in this context.

Target 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.

The article highlights the disparities in health impacts between communities of color and mostly white communities. The target of promoting social and economic inclusion irrespective of race and ethnicity is relevant in addressing these inequalities.

Target 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.

The article mentions the adverse environmental impact of cities on air quality, particularly for communities living near factories or highways. The target of reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, specifically in terms of air quality, is relevant in this context.

Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

The article emphasizes the importance of strong regulations to protect air quality and people’s health. It also criticizes the inadequacy of current air quality standards. The target of integrating climate change measures into national policies aligns with the need for stronger regulations and policies to address air pollution.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Racial and ethnic disparities in the health impacts associated with nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.
• Relative disparity in premature deaths caused by exposure to fine particulate matter between different racial communities.
• Relative disparity in pediatric asthma caused by exposure to nitrogen dioxide across different racial groups.
• Pediatric asthma rates and premature mortality rates due to pollutants in communities of color compared to mostly white communities.
• Health impacts of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter on communities living near factories or next to highways.
• Importance of continued strong regulations to protect air quality and people’s health.
• EPA air quality standards not adequately protecting Americans, especially marginalized communities.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators