June 17, 2024 Story by: Editor
Image Source: The Hill
In 2021, the U.S. emitted 67 million tons of air pollution, much of which consisted of fine particulate matter like dust, soot, and fluid droplets. This fine particulate matter is linked to numerous serious health issues, including cancer.
While air pollution poses deadly health risks, these risks are not evenly distributed across all Americans. A new report highlights that Black seniors are three times more likely to die from particle air pollution exposure than white seniors.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that 67 million tons of pollution were released into the atmosphere in 2021. Sources include vehicles, factories, refineries, power plants, and even natural occurrences like forest fires and volcanic eruptions.
This pollution disproportionately affects communities of color, particularly Black and Hispanic populations. According to a report by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Black Americans aged 65 and older are three times more likely to die from exposure to fine particulate matter—such as dust, soot, and fluid droplets—than their white counterparts. Fine particulate matter exposure can increase the risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological diseases.
The EPA also warns that air pollution exposure is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells, leading to chronic diseases and cancer. The EDF reports approximately 110,000 deaths annually in the U.S. due to particulate matter exposure.
These deaths reveal a stark disparity: among seniors aged 65 and older, Black populations experience 670 deaths per 100,000, Hispanic populations 260 deaths per 100,000, and white populations 210 deaths per 100,000. Additionally, EDF analysis shows that non-white or Hispanic populations have 58 pediatric asthma emergency department visits per 100,000, compared to only 10 visits per 100,000 among white, non-Hispanic populations.
Despite the EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) limiting particulate matter concentrations to 12 micrograms per cubic meter, many Black and Hispanic communities are exposed to much higher levels. The EDF estimates that lowering the standard to 10 micrograms could prevent approximately 4,800 deaths, and lowering it to 8 micrograms could prevent up to 19,600 deaths.
The EPA recognizes the disproportionate impact of air pollution on American communities. A study published by the agency last year found that people of color, including Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans, breathe more particulate air pollution on average. The study noted racial-ethnic disparities in nearly all major emissions categories, across states, urban and rural areas, and all income levels.
“The inequities we report are a result of systemic racism: Over time, people of color and pollution have been pushed together, not just in a few cases but for nearly all types of emissions,” said Julian Marshall, co-author of the EPA study.
The federal agency is currently reviewing air quality standards for particulate matter, considering the robust scientific evidence of serious risks to large segments of the U.S. population. A final rule is expected to be proposed this summer.
“The most vulnerable among us are most at risk from exposure to particulate matter, and that’s why it’s so important we take a hard look at these standards that haven’t been updated in nine years,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA is committed to ensuring this review, and other upcoming NAAQS reviews, reflect the latest science and public health data.” Source: The Hill
