A recent Gallup poll has revealed that Black Americans are disproportionately affected by and concerned about environmental pollution compared to other racial groups in the United States. The survey of over 12,000 U.S. adults found that Black respondents were significantly more likely to express concerns about various types of environmental contamination in their communities.
Black adults showed higher levels of concern across all categories, with 39% reporting being “very” or “fairly concerned” about exposure to toxic building materials, nearly double the national average. Concerns were even higher for water, soil, and air pollution, with 53% of Black adults expressing increased worry about air pollution compared to 35% of White adults.
These heightened concerns correlate with actual exposure rates. The study found that 34% of Black adults experienced acute environmental crises such as water boil advisories, chemical spills, and radiation leaks within the past year, compared to 28% of White and Hispanic adults. Additionally, 14% of Black adults reported temporary or permanent relocations due to harmful pollution in their local area, surpassing the national average of 9%.
Experts attribute these disparities to historical patterns of industrial development and housing discrimination, which have created “sacrifice zones” predominantly populated by marginalized communities. For example, in the infamous “Cancer Alley” region of Louisiana, which is 81% Black, some communities face cancer risks 50 times the national average due to industrial pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency and American Lung Association have acknowledged the increased pollution exposure faced by communities of color, regardless of region or income. This study underscores the ongoing environmental health disparities affecting Black Americans and the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these longstanding inequities.
See “Black Adults Are More Likely To Be Concerned About Pollution” (August 1, 2024)
