There was a new study by Tessum et al published in Science Advances this week titled: PM2.5 polluters disproportionately and systemically affect people of color in the United States. (Tessum, Paolella, Chambliss, et al. Science Advances 28 APR 2021:EABF4491)
In this study, the authors found that there are systemic exposure differences for PM2.5 for People of Color (Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian), across rural or urban areas, across income levels, and across states. Black people have the highest amount of exposure disparities.
The top source types causing the inequities are: industry, light-duty gasoline vehicles, construction, heavy-duty diesel vehicles, off-highway vehicles and equipment, residential gas, and commercial cooking.
Many of the same group of scientists published a study 2 years ago showing inequities in exposure based on consumption of goods and services.
This study shows the environmental racism built into our country that harms People of Color and especially Black people: redlining, where we built interstate highways, where we built factories and refineries, and job opportunities. We have spent billions creating inequities and we need to do what it takes to undo those inequities. Given how many billions of dollars we spend to get this way, saying “oops it costs to much to fix” is not an option – it is unethical and unjust to not fix the harm we know we have caused.
Tessum, Paolella, Chambliss, et al. PM2.5-polluters disproportionately and systemically affect people of color in the United States. Science Advances 28 APR 2021:EABF4491
04/30/2021
