Dec 18, 2024 Story by: Editor
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has come under scrutiny for its placement of air quality monitors, which are disproportionately located in predominantly white neighborhoods across the United States. This disparity leaves communities of color less shielded from harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, nitrous dioxide, and lead, according to new research.
Data collected from these monitors form the foundation for EPA policies and actions aimed at reducing pollution. However, communities of color are often situated closer to major polluters, raising concerns about whether the agency has sufficient monitors, whether they are appropriately placed, and whether air safety conclusions in these areas are accurate.
“It seems like an obvious problem, but we don’t see much about … how there’s a measurement error in the gold standard for data collection,” said Brenna Kelly, a doctoral student at the University of Utah and co-author of the study. “It’s how we establish thresholds for safety, and who’s going to be susceptible to exposure to air pollution.”
Key Findings
The study examined the locations of nearly 8,000 EPA air quality monitors nationwide and compared them to demographic data from census blocks. The researchers consistently observed fewer monitors for pollutants like particulate matter, ozone, nitrous dioxide, and lead in non-white communities. These pollutants are linked to severe health issues, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, neurotoxicity in children, and cancer.
The greatest disparity was found in monitoring for sulfur dioxide, particularly in Native American and Pacific Islander communities. Sulfur dioxide, a byproduct of natural gas and petroleum extraction, oil refining, and metal processing, can exacerbate respiratory problems and make breathing more difficult.
Factors Behind the Disparity
While the placement of monitors is determined by federal, state, and local authorities, the process lacks transparency and is influenced by several variables, including population density and the proximity of polluters. However, Brenna Kelly pointed out that the decision-making process “can get pretty political.” Communities with more resources and political influence are better positioned to advocate for monitors in their neighborhoods, potentially contributing to the disparity.
Kelly also noted that institutionalized racism likely plays a role in these outcomes. Marginalized groups historically receive fewer resources, which may result in less attention to air quality monitoring in their communities.
Monitoring Gaps and Solutions
EPA air monitors operate by measuring a single point intended to represent a broader region. This method relies on interpolation to estimate regional air quality, but it often leaves gaps. These gaps are frequently found in communities of color, highlighting a need for improved monitoring strategies.
One potential solution is incorporating satellite imagery to supplement ground-level monitoring. While satellites can provide regional data, they have limitations and must be used alongside physical monitors for accuracy.
“That’s the big question: ‘How do we get better data?’” Kelly said. “The dream is that we understand air pollution in every area at all times, how people move throughout their environment and how that changes what they’re exposed to.”
This study emphasizes the need for equitable placement of air quality monitors and calls for advancements in monitoring technology to address the gaps that leave communities of color disproportionately exposed to dangerous pollutants. Source: The Guardian
