Spreading Environmental injustices: By Julie Peller Ph.D.

Green Junction

People living near polluting facilities or processes are exposed to obnoxious and toxic contaminants, usually chronically. Slow and long-term exposures to hazardous substances affect the health and well-being of people and other living organisms in these communities, which are designated, by definition, as environmental injustices. The AAMC Center for Health Justice determined that ecological injustice is “one of the most pressing health equity issues facing people across the United States.” Numerous studies have established that environmental injustices disproportionately affect Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and low-income communities. 

A poll conducted by the Center found that “only 44% of U.S. adults think that communities of color are more likely to be exposed to environmental hazards than white communities, despite significant evidence that they are.” Other alarming outcomes from the survey were: “While 61% of respondents said low-income groups were more likely to be exposed to hazards, only 47% said that group was more likely to be faced with environmental injustice.” “When asked who they think is responsible for creating environmental injustices, over half (52%) mentioned the federal government; 42%, state government; 42%, businesses/corporations; 40%, local government; and 22%, private (individual) citizens.” 

Major industrial facilities are given permits to release a certain amount of pollution. According to self-reported data (EPA’s TRI—toxic release inventory), it is common for industries to exceed the limits and subject nearby communities to unhealthy levels of contaminants. In rural areas, limited laws restrict the amount of pollution associated with industrial farming. People who live near concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are exposed to unhealthy contaminants from vast amounts of decomposing manure and urine, among other toxins.   

In my courses, many of my students have been led to believe that the government is the sole source to blame for the pollution emitted by private facilities. We depend on our government bodies to establish pollution emission limits based on the best science available. Also critical are the agencies, staffed with experts, responsible for establishing and overseeing these laws and policies. Environmental injustices will spread without the regulations and oversight of polluting industries, entities, and processes. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Julie Peller, Ph.D., is an environmental chemist (Professor of Chemistry at Valparaiso University). She has been writing a weekly column called The Green Junction for the past seven years and is helping to move the call of Laudato Si to action forward. Her Research Interests are advanced oxidation for aqueous solutions, water quality analyses, emerging contaminants, air quality analyses, Lake Michigan shoreline challenges (Cladophora, water, and sediment contaminants), and student and citizen participation in environmental work.