Environmental racism is a systemic form of racial inequality where communities of color, particularly Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC), as well as low-income populations, are disproportionately exposed to harmful environmental hazards. These hazards often include toxic chemicals, polluted air, and contaminated water. Such exposure can result in severe health consequences, including an increased risk of chronic diseases like cancer, asthma, and diabetes. This issue is not only a matter of environmental harm but also of racial injustice, as policies and practices historically placed these risks in economically disadvantaged areas populated by people of color.

Although the topic has garnered some attention, such as the well-known Flint Water Crisis, many other instances of environmental racism often remain overlooked. The environmental justice movement, which dates back to the 1970s, continues to highlight the devastating effects of environmental racism, striving for equitable solutions to protect these vulnerable communities and improve public health outcomes.

Historical Background and Key Examples of Environmental Racism

Environmental racism is deeply embedded in the history of systemic oppression in the United States. Communities of color have long been the recipients of environmentally harmful policies, leading to disproportionately high rates of health conditions related to pollution. Below are some key examples that illustrate the harmful effects of environmental racism:

Cancer Alley: A Toxic Corridor

Located along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Cancer Alley is home to about 200 petrochemical facilities. These factories, which account for a significant portion of U.S. petrochemical production, have contributed to some of the highest levels of pollution in the country. The majority of the residents in this area are Black, and these communities face a significantly higher risk of developing respiratory issues, cancers, and other health problems due to the pollution from these industries.

A particularly concerning example is the town of Reserve, Louisiana, which has a cancer risk rate 50 times higher than the national average. This disparity highlights the intersection of racial injustice and environmental harm, where policies have favored industrial development over the health and well-being of marginalized populations.

Lead Contamination in Flint, Michigan

The Flint Water Crisis became a glaring example of how environmental racism can have life-threatening consequences. In 2014, the city of Flint switched its water supply to the Flint River as a cost-cutting measure. The water was not treated properly, leading to lead contamination and the exposure of thousands of residents to toxic levels of lead, particularly impacting the Black community. Lead exposure has caused long-term health issues, including brain and nervous system damage, especially in children.

Despite evidence of the water's contamination, local and state governments repeatedly assured residents that the water was safe. This neglect contributed to widespread health problems, including a spike in cases of Legionnaires’ disease, which claimed the lives of at least 12 people.

Asthma Alley: Air Pollution in the South Bronx

Another area significantly affected by environmental racism is Mott Haven, located in the South Bronx. Known as “Asthma Alley,” this neighborhood suffers from one of the worst air pollution levels in the U.S. due to emissions from daily truck traffic and nearby highways. The community, primarily made up of Black and Latino residents, faces a severe public health crisis. Hospitalizations due to asthma in Mott Haven are 21 times higher than in other neighborhoods in New York.

Chronic respiratory diseases, like asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), are prevalent due to the toxic air, highlighting the connection between environmental pollutants and higher disease rates in low-income, minority communities.

Sugarcane Burning in South Florida

In South Florida, the practice of burning sugarcane fields is another example of environmental racism. Each year, over 10,000 sugarcane fields are burned between October and March, leading to significant air pollution in nearby areas. This practice primarily affects communities of color, such as those in Pahokee, Clewiston, and Belle Glade, where Black residents make up a large portion of the population.

The exposure to smoke, ash, and other pollutants increases the risk of respiratory conditions like asthma and pneumonia, as well as long-term diseases like COPD and lung cancer. The burning also contributes to environmental degradation, further affecting the health of the residents.

Water Crisis in Jackson, Mississippi

In 2022, Jackson, Mississippi—a city with a majority Black population—suffered a crisis when its largest water treatment plant failed. For weeks, residents were without reliable access to clean drinking water, leading to the exposure of oily, discolored water, which contained floating particles. This water crisis disproportionately affected low-income Black residents, who already faced inadequate infrastructure and unreliable utilities.

The failure to provide safe drinking water exacerbated the risk of several chronic health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease. It also raised the risks for infants and pregnant women, contributing to higher rates of infant mortality and stroke.

Health Consequences of Environmental Racism

Environmental racism can have a devastating impact on health, contributing to a range of chronic conditions and increasing the likelihood of disability or death. The effects are particularly pronounced in children, who are more susceptible to environmental pollutants due to their developing bodies and brains. The adverse health outcomes resulting from environmental racism include:

  • Obesity

  • Asthma and Respiratory Diseases

  • Diabetes

  • Cancer

  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

  • Birth Defects and Developmental Conditions

  • Mental Health Issues

Children exposed to toxic substances, air pollution, and contaminated water often suffer from long-term developmental and behavioral issues, including learning disabilities, speech impairments, and attention disorders. The generational impact of environmental racism is clear—children in these affected communities are exposed to higher risks of poor health that continue throughout their lives.

The Environmental Justice Movement and Advocacy

The environmental justice movement, which gained momentum in the late 1970s, advocates for the rights of marginalized communities affected by environmental racism. A pivotal moment in this movement occurred in Warren County, North Carolina, where residents protested the disposal of carcinogenic PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in their neighborhood. This early activism laid the foundation for future efforts to combat environmental racism and ensure equal protection for all communities, regardless of race, ethnicity, or income.

The movement aims to achieve several key goals:

  • Reducing harmful emissions from industries and vehicles

  • Developing renewable energy projects to promote cleaner environments

  • Ensuring equitable policies that prioritize justice and respect for all communities

  • Converting contaminated land into usable, healthy spaces

  • Guaranteeing access to clean water and air for all people

  • Providing compensation for communities harmed by environmental pollution

Governmental Initiatives

The Justice40 Initiative, launched by the Biden Administration, seeks to direct 40% of all federal investments in clean energy and climate change mitigation toward communities burdened by pollution. This initiative represents a major step toward rectifying environmental injustices and prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations.

Conclusion: Fighting for Environmental Justice

Environmental racism is a pressing issue that continues to impact the health and well-being of communities of color. The exposure to harmful pollutants significantly contributes to the development of chronic diseases, and without significant changes in policy and infrastructure, these communities will continue to face adverse health outcomes. However, the environmental justice movement remains a powerful force advocating for change. Through continued advocacy, grassroots efforts, and governmental support, we can work toward a future where all communities—regardless of race or income—have access to clean air, water, and a healthy living environment.