A new nationwide study conducted by researchers from the University of Minnesota indicates that people of color tend to live in neighborhoods that are exposed to higher levels of air pollution compared to caucasians.
This is the first study of its kind showing that a different type of racial divide may exist. Moreover, the findings also have a number of important health implications as well.
The researchers compared numerous urban areas in various locations around the country. By segregating specific areas in terms of their "nonwhite" or "white" populations, the researchers found that "nonwhite" neighborhoods experience levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) that are 38 percent higher compared to "white" neighborhoods. The researchers published their findings in the online journal PLOS ONE.
"We were quite shocked to find such a large disparity between whites and nonwhites related to air pollution," said University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering civil engineering associate professor Julian Marshall. "Our study provides a great baseline to track over time on important issues of environmental injustice and inequality in our country." Marshall is also one of the co-authors of the study.
Nitrogen dioxide is a dangerous air pollutant that can often come from the emissions of power plants and vehicles. This compound has also been linked to a variety of illnesses and disease such as heart disease and asthma. Moreover, Nitrogen dioxide is also one of seven particularly dangerous air pollutants that are closely monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The University of Minnesota researchers found a significant difference in the levels of exposure to NO2 between "white" and "nonwhites" Moreover, the health impacts of NO2 exposure are also equally pronounced. Furthermore, the researchers said that around 7,000 deaths could be prevented every year if "nonwhite" exposure to air pollution could be reduced to the same level as that of "whites."
While the team was able to confirm that income may play a part in the circumstances leading to higher exposure of "nonwhites" to air pollution, the researchers also found that race was a more important factor compared to income. In states like Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York, the researchers found that largest disparity between NO2 exposure due to race alone and disregarding income. The full list of states with their corresponding NO2 exposure rates can be found here.
Previously, the University of Minnesota also published a different study regarding the levels of nitrogen dioxide throughout the country. Using satellite and land use data, the previously study was able to gather important data about air pollution, which was also reinforced by the new study.
