Communities of color are underrepresented in the collection of air quality data because the Environmental Protection Agency‘s air quality monitors are disproportionately located in heavily white neighborhoods in the US. The issue of fewer EPA monitors in communities of color raises concerns about equity in environmental health protections. The average number of sensors for pollutants such as lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter is far lower in non-white neighborhoods, according to a new study. These pollutants have been linked to serious health consequences, such as cancer, heart disease, asthma, chest pain, and neurotoxicity in children.

Sulfur dioxide sensors showed the largest discrepancy, which disproportionately affected Pacific Islander and Native American populations. As a byproduct of oil refineries, metal processing, and the extraction of natural gas and petroleum, sulfur dioxide exacerbates respiratory conditions and makes breathing difficult.

Challenges in Monitoring and Decision-Making Processes

The EPA’s air quality monitoring system uses nearly 8,000 sensors around the country to gather data that informs pollution reduction strategies and initiatives. Federal, state, and local officials decide where these monitors will be stationed based on pollutant concentration and population density. Nonetheless, scholars note that the placement procedure is often unclear and may be influenced by political factors.

The placement of monitors is frequently more influenced by communities with more resources and political clout. This may help to explain the differences, which scholars blame on systemic racism that deprives marginalized groups of resources. This systemic inequality leads to skewed air quality evaluations, where safety thresholds and exposure risks determined by monitors may not reflect actual conditions in communities of color.

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Towards Improved Air Quality Data Collection

EPA monitors measure air quality at a single point, which is then used to represent larger regions. There are significant gaps in coverage with this method, particularly in areas where communities of color reside. The research recommends using satellite photography to collect pollution across larger areas to enhance monitoring. For a more complete image, however, this approach would need to be supplemented by ground-level monitors due to its limitations.

Brenna Kelly, a doctorate student at the University of Utah and co-author of the study, stated, “The dream is that we understand air pollution in every area at all times.” Improved techniques for gathering data would help us better understand how people’s movements through their surroundings affect their exposure to pollution. Addressing the issue of fewer EPA monitors in communities of color could ensure more equitable environmental health protections and accurate pollution assessments. This change may result in more fair and efficient methods of reducing pollution.

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