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Publication Date

5-1-2022

Keywords

poverty, climate change, environment

Volume

2022

Abstract

While air pollution is a major problem in much of the United States, individuals of low socioeconomic status are disproportionately exposed to air pollution compared to wealthier individuals.1 Contributing factors to the problem of disproportionate exposure to air pollution for low-income communities in the United States include lack of emissions regulations and enforcement, disproportionate placement of pollution sources nearby low-income neighborhoods, and the excessive political power of large emitters. The negative consequences that low-income individuals suffer because of this include both physical and mental health as well as impaired cognitive function. NGOs and other organizations are creating programs to help individuals become more involved in the political process in order to solve local air pollution problems, and many are doing this through community organizing. However, more outcome assessments need to be made in order to quantify and qualify the outcomes of these programs.

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