Environmental Racism at the Neighborhood Level

Even though air pollution is steadily improving overall in Massachusetts,  a recent report found that racial/ethnic disparities in air quality are actually growing . This inequality has grown because relative improvements in air quality were greatest in areas that already have the least air pollution, like tree-lined suburbs. Those tend to be wealthy, White neighborhoods.

On the other hand, people living in more densely populated or more industrial areas have seen less improvement in air quality. People living in those areas are more likely to be low-income or people of color.

Common  air pollutants  include:

• Ground-level ozone - forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react under heat and sunlight. Common sources of NOx and VOCs are anything that burns: cars, power plants, industrial smokestacks, etc.
• Particle matter (PM) - small particles that are either directly emitted from combustion sources or formed through complex chemical reactions in the air. Particles with a diameter smaller than 2.5 microns (about 5% the width of a strand of hair) are of particular concern because they can penetrate deep into the lungs. These fine particles are called PM2.5.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) - a poisonous gas that is emitted when combustion is inefficient. In cities, around 95% of the CO in the air comes from motor vehicle exhaust.
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2) - a toxic gas that results from combustion of sulfur-containing compounds. Power plants and industry are common sources of SO2.
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) - NO2 and other oxides of oxygen, known as NOx, are highly reactive small molecules that primarily get into the air from fuel combustion.

Most of these air pollutants come from combustion such as car/train/bus engines, waste combustion, or industrial processes.

It is important to note that air pollution does not respect administrative boundaries, and that  pollution from other states  can also cause health issues within Massachusetts.

Use the link below to explore how real-time indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring is being used to map local air pollution using citizen science.

When water is contaminated with chemicals or bacteria, it can have a direct and harmful effect on health and well-being, especially if drinking water becomes contaminated.

 Common water pollutants of concern  include:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ( PFAS ): have been linked to multiple serious health harms, such as cancer and developmental and reproductive harm. Common sources include a wide variety of household objects.
• Arsenic (As) - from mining, coal-fired power plants, lumber facilities, electronics industry, foundry activities, agriculture, and natural accumulation.
• Lead (Pb) - from lead paint, mining, vehicle exhaust, construction, and agriculture. Lead is particularly harmful to healthy development in children.
• Bacteria and parasites - some bacteria and parasites, like E. coli, can cause serious illness. Common sources include agriculture and sewage.
• Pesticides - pesticides are chemicals used to kill pests (like insects and bacteria). Their  health effects vary widely , from mild irritation to longer-term effects.
• Nitrates/nitrites - chemicals found in fertilizers. Can be harmful to health, especially for children under 6 months of age.

Unfortunately, green space is not distributed equally.  Across America's cities , neighborhoods with more people of color, lower average income, and lower education have less access to green space than higher-income, Whiter neighborhoods.