User:Xyztv/Environmental racism in the United States

Article Draft
Environmental racism is a form of institutional racism in which people of color bear a disproportionate burden of environmental harm, such as pollution from hazardous waste disposal and the effects of natural disasters. Environmental racism is also categorized as a form of structural racism, where policies, laws, and practices restrict or disadvantage individuals based on race. Environmental racism exposes Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanic populations to physical health hazards and may negatively impact mental health. It creates disparities in many spheres of life, such as transportation, housing, and economic opportunity. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with these rules and regulations regarding environmental matters such as environmental racism and is dependent upon the management and policing of these issues.

Communities of color are more likely to be located next to pollution sources, such as landfills, power plants, and incinerators. There is evidence that exposure to pollution can result in a higher prevalence of disease. Additionally, low-income communities of color are more likely to have polluted water. An analysis of EPA data found that unequal access to safe drinking water is strongly correlated with race. The most polluted communities tend to be those with high poverty, inadequate infrastructure, substandard schools, chronic unemployment, and poor healthcare systems. Empirical evidence suggests environmental hazards negatively affect nearby property values, employment opportunities, and economic activities. In addition, environmental hazards can cause psychological stress.

Minority and low socioeconomic populations are exposed to more significant environmental health risks than white people, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The advocacy organization Greenlining cites EPA assessments, finding that Blacks are exposed to 1.5 times more air pollutants causing heart and lung disease than whites. At the same time, exposure rates for Hispanics were 1.2 times the amount for non-Hispanic whites. People in poverty had 1.3 times the exposure of those not in poverty.

Environmental pollution has been found to cause physical and mental disabilities, cancer, and asthma. Exposure to industrial chemicals has correlated with increased cancer rates, learning disabilities, and neurobehavioral disorders. Some industrial chemicals have been identified as endocrine disruptors, which means they interfere with the functioning of hormones. Endocrine disrupters have been linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, metabolic disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and infertility. There is a strong link between cancer and childhood exposure to pesticides, solvents, and other toxic substances. Many of these health disparities are linked to generational disadvantages, with individuals having a long family history of health issues like cancer and asthma.