White neighborhoods receive more EPA air monitors than communities of color
- A recent study shows that EPA air quality monitors are more concentrated in white neighborhoods than in communities of color.
- Dangerous pollutants linked to health issues are more likely to affect the populations living near under-monitored areas.
- The research highlights a need for improved data collection methods to ensure all communities are adequately protected from air pollution.
Recent research has revealed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed air quality monitors in predominantly white neighborhoods, leading to unequal protections for communities of color from harmful pollutants. This study examined nearly 8,000 EPA monitor locations across the United States and found significant disparities in the average number of monitors in areas home to non-white populations. Pollutants measured include particulate matter, ozone, nitrous dioxide, lead, and sulfur dioxide, which are associated with numerous health issues, including asthma, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers indicated that the highest disparities were observed in monitor placements for sulfur dioxide in Native American and Pacific Islander communities, where exposure to emissions from natural gas extraction and oil refining is prevalent. Places with better resources and political influence tend to have more monitors, raising concerns about the political implications of monitor placement decisions. The current siting of monitors does not effectively represent air quality across diverse communities, which are often subject to greater environmental hazards due to proximity to major polluters. Authors of the study have emphasized the importance of establishing accurate safety thresholds through reliable data collection. Monitoring stations are typically positioned to represent broader regions, yet this can result in significant gaps in data interpretation, particularly in areas inhabited by communities of color. As the EPA relies heavily on these readings to guide pollution reduction activities, inadequate monitoring may lead to misinformed policies that neglect the communities most at risk. To address these inequities, the researchers suggested utilizing satellite imagery in conjunction with ground-based air quality monitors. While satellite technology can enhance pollution tracking across wider regions, it has its limitations and should complement the existing monitoring infrastructure. Overall, this research calls for a re-evaluation of how air quality data is collected, reported, and used to establish environmental safety standards in the United States.