ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: Human Health and Environmental Inequalities

Abstract

▪ Abstract In this review, we provide an introduction to the topics of environmental justice and environmental inequality. We provide an overview of the dimensions of unequal exposures to environmental pollution (environmental inequality), followed by a discussion of the theoretical literature that seeks to explain the origins of this phenomenon. We also consider the impact of the environmental justice movement in the United States and the role that federal and state governments have developed to address environmental inequalities. We conclude that more research is needed that links environmental inequalities with public health outcomes.

Identifying Vulnerable Populations through an Examination of the Association Between Multipollutant Profiles and Poverty

“…As one might expect, the more-deprived Cluster 9 has much higher levels of off-road diesel emissions, 7.91 (6.53, 9.27), compared to the less-deprived Cluster 7, 1.29 (1.26, 1.33). However, the more-deprived Cluster 9 has lower levels of NO 2 21.77) for Cluster 8, despite differences in poverty levels. Therefore, while it might be generally true that increased poverty is associated with increased air pollution exposures, the nature of these associations in Los Angeles County is complex and nonlinear.…”

“…These disparities translate into higher rates for mortality, morbidity, and disability for the lower SEP groups and people of color. 2 Although these health disparities are frequently attributed to individual health behaviors such as smoking, individual factors account for only a fraction of the overall inequalities between these groups. 3 As such, social epidemiology research has focused on the effects of SEP on many health outcomes, differential access to health and social services, 4 and neighborhood or community characteristics that may promote or adversely affect health.…”

Environmental injustice and air pollution in coal affected communities, Hunter Valley, Australia

“…Public health researchers have identified environmental pollution as a major contributor to health inequities (Brulle & Pellow 2006). Howie et al's (2005) review of thirteen Australian studies found adverse health effects of air pollution in major cities, but also identified gaps in knowledge, such as the spatial effects of air pollution, disentangling the health effects of different air pollutants, and assessing the interactive effects of air pollution with other environmental factors (Howie et al 2005, p.32).…”

“…Howie et al's (2005) review of thirteen Australian studies found adverse health effects of air pollution in major cities, but also identified gaps in knowledge, such as the spatial effects of air pollution, disentangling the health effects of different air pollutants, and assessing the interactive effects of air pollution with other environmental factors (Howie et al 2005, p.32). Brulle and Pellow (2006) assert that while US studies emphasise community characteristics as determinants of health disparities, there are few that examine the role of exposures to toxic pollution on community health. Braveman (2006) Residents most likely to experience worse health or be exposed to greater health risks include people from disadvantaged social groups (such as poor, racial or ethnic minorities), women, or others discriminated against (Braveman 2006), such as those living close to polluting industries.…”

The application of three methods to measure the statistical association between different social groups and the concentration of air pollutants in Montreal: A case of environmental equity

“…Moreover, living within 200 metres of a major road is considered a potential risk to cardiovascular health (Brugge et al, 2007;Rioux et al, 2010), and for the development of asthma McConnell et al, 2006) and lung development deficits among children (Gauderman et al, 2007). Previous studies have argued that the combination of socioeconomic inequalities and exposure to air pollutants contributes to physiological vulnerability among members of low-income households (Brulle and Pellow, 2006;Kohlhuber et al, 2006;O'Neill, 2007). Other studies have noted that the health impacts of pollution are greater among children and the elderly.…”