Health burden of air pollution differs across racial groups
Health burden of air pollution differs across racial groups Yale News
sdgtalks
Health Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease-Related Deaths Caused by Fine Particulate Air Pollution
A new study led by Yale University reveals that reductions in fine particulate air pollution have not been equally distributed among populations in the U.S. Racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Black people, continue to experience disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease-related deaths due to exposure to fine particulate matter. These findings were published on August 31 in Nature Human Behavior.
Understanding Fine Particulate Matter
Fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, refers to particles or droplets smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, which is 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair. While some PM2.5 in the environment comes from natural sources like wildfires, the majority of particulate matter pollution in the U.S. is caused by human activities such as vehicle emissions, power plants, and factories. The small size of PM2.5 makes it harmful to human health as it can enter the lungs and even the bloodstream, leading to cardiovascular diseases.
The Impact of Environmental Efforts
Environmental efforts, including the 1963 Clean Air Act and the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM2.5 established in 1997, have successfully reduced PM2.5 levels throughout the United States. Consequently, these efforts have resulted in significant health benefits. However, it has remained unclear whether these benefits are distributed equitably among different racial and ethnic groups.
Examining Vulnerability to PM2.5
The study aimed to assess vulnerability to PM2.5 across different racial and ethnic groups and its relationship to mortality. The researchers collected data on cardiovascular disease deaths and monthly PM2.5 concentrations across 3,103 counties in the contiguous U.S. from 2001 to 2016. They found that an increase of one microgram per square meter in average PM2.5 levels was associated with 2.01 additional cardiovascular disease-related deaths per 1 million people.
Health Disparities Among Racial and Ethnic Groups
However, the study revealed that the human costs of increased PM2.5 levels varied among different populations. The same increase in average PM2.5 levels was associated with 1.76 additional deaths per 1 million white people, 2.66 additional deaths per 1 million Hispanic people, and 7.16 additional deaths per 1 million Black people. The researchers also assessed mortality burden across race and ethnicity, finding that on average, there were 202.70 deaths per 1 million white people, 279.24 deaths per 1 million Hispanic people, and 905.68 deaths per 1 million Black people each year.
Mortality Rates and Changes Over Time
Although cardiovascular disease-related deaths attributable to long-term PM2.5 exposure decreased by more than 34% between 2001 and 2016, the ratio of mortality rates between racial and ethnic groups remained relatively unchanged. Mortality rates for Hispanic people were 1.37 times higher than those for white people in 2001, increasing to 1.45 times higher by 2016. Mortality rates for Black people were 4.59 times higher than those for white people in 2001 and 4.47 times higher in 2016.
Addressing Health Disparities
The study highlights the unequal public health burden of air pollution across racial groups and emphasizes the need for policy design that considers high-vulnerability groups. The Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. lawmakers, and local governments should not only focus on improving air quality for the overall population but also prioritize the needs of specific vulnerable groups. The findings of this study will inform future policy decisions.
Continued Research and Action
Dr. Kai Chen, the senior author of the study, will further investigate health burden disparities in a new project funded by a Yale Planetary Solutions Project seed grant. The research will assess PM2.5 exposure, cardiovascular disease risk, and morbidity burden at the neighborhood level, aiming to develop location-specific strategies to address inequalities.
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
The article discusses the health impacts of fine particulate air pollution, particularly on racial and ethnic minorities. It also highlights the disparities in exposure and mortality rates among different groups. These issues are connected to the goals of ensuring good health and well-being (SDG 3), reducing inequalities (SDG 10), creating sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), and taking action to combat climate change (SDG 13).
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 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
The targets identified are directly related to the issues discussed in the article. These targets aim to reduce deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution (SDG 3.9), promote inclusion and reduce inequalities (SDG 10.2), improve air quality in cities (SDG 11.6), and strengthen resilience to climate-related hazards (SDG 13.1).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- PM2.5 concentrations: Measuring the levels of fine particulate matter in the air can indicate progress in reducing air pollution and achieving SDG 3.9 and SDG 11.6.
- Cardiovascular disease-related deaths: Tracking the number of deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases can help assess the impact of air pollution on public health and progress towards SDG 3.9.
- Mortality rates across racial and ethnic groups: Comparing mortality rates among different populations can provide insights into inequalities and progress towards SDG 10.2.
The article mentions specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include PM2.5 concentrations, cardiovascular disease-related deaths, and mortality rates across racial and ethnic groups.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Cardiovascular disease-related deaths – Mortality rates across racial and ethnic groups |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 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. | Mortality rates across racial and ethnic groups |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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. | PM2.5 concentrations |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | PM2.5 concentrations |
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: news.yale.edu
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
