Minorities are exposed to an average of 38% more air pollution than whites, according to a University of Minnesota study recently reported in MINNPOST. Researchers used data from the Census Bureau and a “recently published high-resolution dataset of outdoor [nitrogen dioxide] concentrations.” Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) comes from vehicle exhaust and power plants.
The study ranked the states and Washington DC based on estimated average exposure difference between whites and nonwhites. Connecticut has the 10th greatest disparity among the states, behind New York (1), Rhode Island (6), and Massachusetts (7). Maine and Vermont ranked among the low-disparity states.
The study also ranked the nation’s urban areas by disparity, and Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, New Haven, and Waterbury were among the top 25 urban areas with the greatest disparities.
The researchers estimate that reducing nonwhite exposure to the same level as whites would result in 7,000 fewer per year deaths due to heart disease.
The study also found other disparities. NO2 concentrations were higher for (1) low-income groups than for higher income ones and (2) people with less than a high school education than for those with secondary schooling.
