Space‐Based Observational Constraints on NO₂ Air Pollution Inequality From Diesel Traffic in Major US Cities

Abstract

In US cities, the concentrations of many air pollutants have been observed, modeled, and inferred to be higher in neighborhoods where residents are primarily people of color and have lower household incomes (e.g.,

Historical Redlining Is Associated with Present-Day Air Pollution Disparities in U.S. Cities

“…While air quality has improved in the United States over the past several decades, 5 − 7 people of color (POC), particularly Black and Hispanic Americans, are still exposed to higher-than-average levels of air pollution. 8 − 11 We examine here how redlining, a historical, racially discriminatory 1930s federal mortgage appraisal policy, is associated with present-day air pollution disparities in 202 U.S. cities.…”

Air pollution and metabolic disorders: Dynamic versus static measures of exposure among Hispanics/Latinos and non-Hispanics

“…Participants without at least four valid days were asked to re-wear devices for an additional seven days. Participants wore devices for an average (minimum - maximum) of 11.8 valid days ( Hajat et al, 2015 ; Mikati et al, 2018 ; Woo et al, 2019 ; Li et al, 2019 ; Bell and Ebisu, 2012 ; Rosofsky et al, 2018 ; Pratt et al, 2015 ; Clark et al, 2014 ; Demetillo et al, 2021 ; Chambliss et al, 2021 ; Jones et al, 2014 ; Di et al, 2017 ; Jbaily et al, 2022 ; Shareck et al, 2014 , 2016 ; Liu et al, 2013 ; Yarza et al, 2020 ; Chaix, 2018 ; Ren et al, 2019 ; Smargiassi et al, 2014 ; Buteau and Goldberg, 2016 ; Languille et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Exposure inequalities could be even more pronounced between racial/ethnic groups compared to income and educational attainment ( Mikati et al, 2018 ). Racial and ethnic minorities are often exposed to higher levels of air pollution compared to non-Hispanic Whites ( Woo et al, 2019 ; Li et al, 2019 ; Bell and Ebisu, 2012 ; Rosofsky et al, 2018 ; Pratt et al, 2015 ; Clark et al, 2014 ; Demetillo et al, 2021 ; Chambliss et al, 2021 ). Such differences are exacerbated by residential segregation in metropolitan areas ( Woo et al, 2019 ) and linked to racially discriminatory housing policies during the twentieth century ( Chambliss et al, 2021 ).…”

Climate Solutions Double as Health Interventions

“…Similarly, electrifying 27% of China's private vehicle fleet by 2030 could prevent 17,500 premature deaths annually from improvements in air quality [30]. Several studies have demonstrated that air pollution from vehicle traffic emissions disproportionately affects people of color and low-income populations, indicating that climate solutions aimed at reducing vehicles emissions could also improve health and equity [31,32].…”