The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71804

Rachel Morello-Frosch, PhD, MPH, Department of Community Health, School of Medicine & Center for Environmental Studies, Brown University, PO Box 1943, 135 Angell Street, Providence, RI 02912, 401-863-9429, Rachel_Morello-Frosch@Brown.edu

Disparities in health status are an important public policy concern that has been identified as a top priority in Healthy People 2010. It is probable that disparities in environmental exposures play an important role in the persistent, disparate health status of the poor and people of color in the United States. Spatial separation of population groups by race/ethnicity, income and class mirrors many of the health and social inequalities which persist in the social organization of US cities. Although elements for understanding the relationship between residential segregation and community environmental health can be found separately in both the sociology literature and the environmental justice literature, only one previous investigation has attempted to combine these two lines of inquiry to analyze the relationship between outdoor air pollution exposure and segregation. Using 2000 Census information and data from EPA’s National Air Toxics Assessment for 1996, this study analyzes how residential segregation is related to spatial inequalities in ambient pollution exposures and associated cancer and respiratory health risks. Using indicators of dissimilarity, isolation and concentration the study models the relationship between community segregation by income and race/ethnicity (African Americans, Asians, Latinos and Whites). Results indicate that residents of color have higher exposure and risk burdens than Whites in those metropolitan areas with higher levels of segregation. Moreover, more segregated urban areas have higher total pollutant concentrations, and associated cancer and non-cancer risks overall, compared to less segregated areas.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session the learner will be able to:
• • Recognize important differences among various measures of segregation;.
  • Articulate basic approaches to cumulative cancer and non-cancer risk assessment for air toxics;.
  • Understand pathways underlying the relationship between segregation and air toxics exposures and associated health risks..

Keywords: Environmental Justice, Hazardous Air Pollutants

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.