Privilege is the driving force for wealth-based disparities in exposure to many different types of environmental pollution. Factors that drive these disparities include nutrition, religion, sexuality, ability, and access to medical care. Prior research has shown that less affluent groups experience higher exposures to air pollution, with more frequent negative health impacts. These marginalized individuals are more likely to reside in less desirable areas that are typically closer to pollution sources. Using California Air Resources Board and US Census data from the past twenty years, air pollution data were analyzed in terms of local income and poverty rates. While the overall air quality has improved (in an absolute sense) during this period because of more stringent state and national standards, significant disparities still persist between wealthy and less affluent communities throughout California.

Environmental privilege: Evaluating air pollution in working-class communities

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.