A new study has determined that people of color in the U.S. breathe significantly more air pollution than those of other races. This racial disparity exists in all 50 states and is a better predictor of air pollution levels than income. This injustice is true for particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone and cancer- causing chemicals, especially in heavily industrialized urban areas. Many recent studies have concluded that air pollution lowers life expectancy and is linked to many health problems such as preterm births and miscarriages, dementia, and the incidences of various diseases, including Covid-19.

Despite improvements in air quality since the Clean Air Act (1970) and its later amendments, at least 100,000 Americans still die each year from air pollution and the racial disparity continues.

Source: The Guardian, 12/15/21