West Dallas residents are exposed to more air pollution than rest of county, study says

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Air Pollution in West Dallas

Introduction

A recent study conducted by the Texas A&M School of Public Health reveals that residents of West Dallas are exposed to 11 times more air pollution and have asthma rates four to five times higher than the rest of Dallas County. This study highlights the urgent need to address the issue of air pollution in West Dallas and its impact on public health.

Background

The study focused on the Singleton Corridor in West Dallas and examined the relationship between air pollution and public health. It combined a survey of 86 households with data from air monitors built by the University of Texas at Dallas. The aim was to gather comprehensive data on the extent of air pollution in the area and its effects on the residents.

Community Concerns

About 50 community members gathered at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center to learn about the results of the six-month community health risk assessment. The study provided concrete evidence to support the concerns raised by residents about the impact of air pollution on their health. Community leaders are now urging city officials to take action and shut down businesses that are polluting the neighborhood.

GAF and Other Polluters

Residents have identified GAF, an asphalt shingle manufacturer, as the biggest polluter in West Dallas. They are calling for the plant to be shut down, as they believe it is causing significant harm to their health. While GAF has announced plans to move to Kansas in 2029, residents argue that this timeline is too far away to address their immediate health concerns.

Particulate Matter and Health Risks

The study conducted by Texas A&M researcher Natalie Johnson found that industrial facilities, train tracks, and traffic in West Dallas release particulate matter, which poses serious health risks. These particles, which can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals, can be inhaled and cause respiratory problems. Any exposure to particulate matter is considered unsafe for human health.

Survey Results

The study included a community survey conducted in English and Spanish. The results showed that 34% of participants had asthma, compared to a state average of 7.6% and a national average of 13.5%. Additionally, 42% of residents reported being diagnosed with a respiratory disease within the last year, and 86% said their respiratory symptoms had worsened since moving to the area. The survey also revealed that 60% of respondents believed air quality in West Dallas was poor or very poor.

Geographic Disparities

The study compared air pollution levels between two monitoring stations in West Dallas. The monitor located near GAF recorded significantly higher levels of particulate matter, exceeding both EPA and World Health Organization standards. In contrast, the monitor located four miles away on Hinton Street recorded no violations of the EPA’s 24-hour standard. This highlights the impact of geographic location on local air quality and the need for targeted interventions in heavily affected areas.

Call for Action

Community members, environmental activists, and organizations like Downwinders at Risk are calling on city officials to take immediate action to address the air pollution crisis in West Dallas. They argue that residents have been burdened with environmental injustices for far too long and that their health and well-being should be a top priority.

Conclusion

The study conducted by the Texas A&M School of Public Health sheds light on the alarming levels of air pollution in West Dallas and its detrimental effects on public health. It underscores the urgent need for action to reduce air pollution and protect the well-being of the community. Addressing this issue aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 13 (Climate Action).

Source: dallasnews.com