Children living in St. Louis neighborhoods burdened by poverty and air pollution face a significantly higher risk of firearm injuries, according to a new study that highlights the intersection of environmental racism and public health. Researchers found that over half of all pediatric firearm injuries occurred in just six zip codes—areas with predominantly Black populations, high poverty rates, and elevated pollution levels.
In these high-risk neighborhoods, 90.8% of residents were Black, compared to just 7% in lower-risk areas. These communities also had fewer married households, more female-headed homes, and significantly higher unemployment and poverty rates. “Children in St. Louis living in areas with high levels of poverty and air pollution are at increased risk of firearm injuries,” the authors wrote, adding that Black children are disproportionately affected.
The study used the St. Louis EcoUrban Assessment Tool to identify “vulnerable block groups” with high exposure to environmental hazards like air pollution. A strong correlation was found between the number of these vulnerable areas and the number of pediatric firearm injuries. However, when adjusted for race and poverty, the link weakened, suggesting that pollution may serve as a marker for broader environmental neglect.
The authors argue that these findings support the concept of environmental racism—where communities of color face disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards—and call for urban planning and policy reforms to address these disparities. “Local leaders… should consider equitable policies and urban development planning strategies,” they concluded.
See “Environmental racism: associations between poverty, pollution, and pediatric gun violence” (June 11, 2025)
