As record-breaking temperatures sweep across the United States, a new study highlights alarming disparities in access to air conditioning among different racial and ethnic groups. The findings reveal that Black and Hispanic households are disproportionately affected by extreme heat, facing greater health risks during increasingly frequent heat waves.
According to the study, about 15% of Black-led households and 14% of Hispanic-led households lack air conditioning equipment, compared to only 10% of White households. This gap in access to cooling systems leaves millions of people of color more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and death.
The disparity extends beyond mere ownership of air conditioning units. Even when they have access to air conditioning, Black and Hispanic households are more likely to report being unable to use their units due to financial challenges. Approximately 11% of Black households and 9% of Hispanic households said they couldn’t use their air conditioning because of equipment breakdowns they couldn’t afford to fix or utility shutoffs due to unpaid bills.
These inequities have serious health implications. Between 2018 and 2022, Black people had a higher rate of heat-related deaths compared to White people. The study also found that Black and Hispanic households were more likely to keep their homes at temperatures they identified as unsafe or unhealthy.
Experts warn that as climate change continues to drive temperatures higher, these disparities could lead to even more significant health consequences for communities of color. Addressing these inequities will be crucial in mitigating the growing risks associated with extreme heat events.
See “Disparities in Access to Air Conditioning And Implications for Heat-Related Health Risks” (August 16, 2024)