Course:CONS200/2023WT2/The realities of pollution disparities in the US: Consequences and mitigation actions

Introduction

Pollution Disparities

Across the United States, there are varying degrees to which one may be affected by air pollution.  Pollution refers to the exposure to "fine particles with a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers [PM2.5].  PM2.5 particles are characterized by their small size, and the ability to easily penetrate the human respiratory tract. There is evidence that level of PM2.5 exposure in the United States is much higher for marginalized racial/ethnic communities and people of low-socioeconomic class, which research showing up to 36.3% higher exposure in Native-American communities than in white communities. History shows strong linkages between race and socio-economic status, and policies dictating where marginalized communities can exist and the jobs they can have, air pollution feeds into this cycle as well. As a result of policy, marginalized communities in the United States are often more dense and in more urban areas, therefore more subject to exposure. There are many factors contributing to pollution disparities in the U.S., the results of which contribute to a feedback loop of racism and classism in the United States.

Source of Pollution

Air pollution in the form of PM2.5 is a result of many sources, and the extent of the effect will differ depending mainly on socioeconomic status (SES) and proximity to the pollutants. Common PM2.5 pollutants in the United States are fossil fuel burning, vehicle emissions, and industrial emissions, to name a few. Pollutants exist year-round and are generated by households, general public, and all levels of infrastructure. Though these issues exist across the country, emissions and consequences are generally concentrated in the north eastern part of the country.

Consequences of Population Disparities

Pollution disparities based on housing type [6]

Level of pollution exposure based on housing [6]

Health Effects

The consequences of pollution disparities in the U.S. Continue to grow. The central consequence is that air pollutions is having adverse effects of the respiratory health of marginalized communities. Air pollution has many negative effects on the body as pollutant particles can easily infiltrate into different system. Studies show that increased exposure comes with increased risk of cardio vascular disease, cognitive function, respiratory disfunction, and cancer; to name a few. There is also evidence to support that exposure contributes to a significant decrease in male reproductive activity.

Socio-Economic Consequences

Aside from health effects, the socio-demographic consequence of pollution disparities are a primary consequence, as well as part of the negative feedback loop that increase the consequences. Given that the consequences are heightened in areas that were historically racialized and discriminated against, the high levels of pollution in the area works to keep maintain the low socioeconomic class population. Living in areas with high air pollution is undesirable, keeping the housing cost lower compared to other communities in the state, making that the most accessible housing for previously marginalized groups. Public housing developments are often in areas that are more vulnerable to pollution exposure; and given the lower cost housing, it is more populated by ethnic/racialized groups, elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions due to the long history of segregation in the United States; particularly in the housing sector.

Mitigation Efforts

Efforts to address disparities in pollution exposure across different communities in the U.S. include a blend of regulatory enforcement, technological innovation, and local activism.

Regulatory and Policy Initiatives

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role by enforcing stringent emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, specifically targeting pollutants like PM2.5 that disproportionately affect marginalized communities . The EPA's Office of Environmental Justice also provides grants and resources to empower communities most affected by pollution, ensuring they have a voice in the local and national decision-making processes that impact their environment.

Technological Innovations

Technological advancements are a key driver in mitigating air pollution. The transition to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, is a prime example. This shift significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a marked decrease in PM2.5 emissions. The benefits extend beyond air quality, contributing to broader environmental sustainability goals. Similarly, the development and deployment of electric vehicles, supported by improvements in battery technology, are instrumental in reducing emissions from the transportation sector, a major source of urban air pollution.

Community-Driven Actions

Community-based initiatives are a cornerstone in the fight against pollution disparities. Local air quality monitoring programs, often supported by environmental NGOs, empower communities to collect real-time data on PM2.5 levels. Armed with this data, residents can demand action and participate in shaping policies that directly affect their health​​. Green infrastructure projects, such as the creation of urban parks and the installation of green roofs, also make a significant impact. They filter air pollutants and improve the urban microclimate, making these areas less vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution​​.

Proposed Additional Measures

In addition to ongoing efforts, further mitigation could include enhancing indoor air quality through advanced filtration systems, particularly in public buildings and schools. These systems can significantly reduce indoor exposure to PM2.5, which is crucial for the health of children and other vulnerable populations​​. Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate citizens about the sources and dangers of air pollution, increasing public support for environmental policies and personal actions that can reduce emissions.

Combining policy enforcement, technological progress, and community engagement is vital for reducing pollution disparities. These strategies must be evaluated and adapted to ensure they effectively address the dynamic and complex nature of air pollution and environmental justice.

Next Steps

To further address pollution disparities affecting marginalized communities in the U.S., it's important to consider additional solutions from multiple angles, including technical, economic, financial, and legal perspectives.

Technical Solutions

In terms of technical mitigations, updating the network of air quality monitors with more precise sensors can significantly improve the identification of PM2.5 hotspots, especially in urban areas. This would not only enhance monitoring but also help allocate resources more efficiently to the areas that need them the most. Installing advanced air filtration systems in residential areas can significantly reduce the amount of PM2.5 that people are exposed to indoors. It is likely that these filters would be be highly effective at capturing airborne particles, which significantly lowers the risk of health issues that come with poor air quality.

Economic and Financial Perspectives

Incentives for green infrastructure can both economically and financially lower air pollution and improve urban livability. Investments such as urban parks and green roofs not only help reduce PM2.5 levels but also promote greater community well-being Additionally, providing financial incentives for industries to implement cleaner technologies is crucial for reducing PM2.5 emissions from industrial processes. These incentives could include tax rebates, grants, and financial support for small businesses to upgrade their operations with environmentally friendly technologies.

Legal and Policy Enhancements

When discussing legal and policy enhancements, it's crucial to enforce stricter emissions standards and update legal frameworks to better reflect current pollution challenges. This ensures laws are strong enough to achieve air quality goals and protect “at-risk” communities. It’s important that our legal strategies offer equal protection under environmental laws and actively work to minimize pollution exposure in underserved areas. This could involve requiring community impact assessments for new industrial activities, as well as enhancing public involvement in environmental decision-making processes. These approaches not only tackle urgent pollution issues but also promote sustainable development and environmental justice for the future.

Conclusion

Air pollution, especially in the form of PM2.5, coming from various emission sources affects populations throughout the United States in varying degrees. Exposure to this kind of pollution is most common in marginalized and low socio-economic status communities, notably in urban areas and communities with higher population densities. This pollution disparity leads to adverse health affects and further socio-economic inequalities, which creates a continuous cycle of classism and racism in the United States.

A combination of government policies, community involvement, environmental activism, and technological advancement is crucial for reducing pollution disparities across the United States. Prioritizing giving communities greatly effected by air pollution a voice when it comes to both local and national decision-making processes further ensures that environmental disparities are recognized, and the amplification of these voices will likely promote further environmental justice across the nation.

Steps being taken in terms of technical advancements and adopting more sustainable economic approaches are promising efforts in the movement towards mitigation efforts. At the policy scale, long-term improvements to air pollution across the United States can further be assured. Taking active steps in improving air pollution across the United States will benefit the environment and hopefully eliminate or reduce the disparities that comes with pollution to marginalized communities.

Overall, the mitigation of air pollution and reduction of emissions on a national scale will reap many benefits. With improvements in air quality, decreased mortality rates related to PM2.5 can be observed as well as overall improvements in health and well being across communities. Mitigation of air pollution is a top towards environmental justice, but also social equity with the ensurance that all communities across the country have access to clean air and healthy environments.