How Air Pollution Reflects Systemic Injustice

By Evan Hou

Across the United States, air pollution remains a silent but deadly force, disproportionately affecting different geographic regions. While urban centers struggle with vehicle congestion and industrial pollutants (harmful substances released by factories and power plants), rural communities face their own threats, ranging from agricultural emissions (gases and particles released from farming activities, such as fertilizers and animal waste) to hazardous wildfire smoke. However, the disparities in air quality between urban and rural areas are not just environmental issues; they are deeply rooted in systemic health injustices that disproportionately impact marginalized communities.

The Urban Burden

Cities are centers of innovation and opportunity, yet they are also epicenters of air pollution. Urban residents, particularly those in low-income and minority neighborhoods, are exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) (a toxic gas from car exhaust and industrial activity), tropospheric ozone (a reactive gas that can cause lung damage), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) (tiny particles in the air that can enter the lungs and bloodstream). These pollutants originate from heavy traffic, industrial facilities, and energy production plants and to increased rates of respiratory illnesses like asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and premature mortality. A study by the American Lung Association reveals that air pollution is not evenly distributed, with communities of color suffering higher exposure rates due to historical redlining and discriminatory zoning policies.

Despite stricter environmental regulations, factors such as traffic congestion and industrial zoning ensure that urban pollution remains a persistent health crisis. In neighborhoods with dense highways and trucking routes, children are more likely to develop asthma, while elderly residents face heightened risks of stroke and heart disease. Without equitable policies and enforcement, these disparities will only continue to grow.

The Rural Reality

While urban air pollution is well-documented, rural communities face their own set of airborne threats. Agricultural areas are hotspots for ammonia emissions (a pungent gas released from fertilizers and livestock waste) that lead to the formation of fine particulate matter, which can travel for miles. Pesticides, another rural pollutant, have been linked to neurological disorders and cancer among farmworkers and nearby residents.

One of the most devastating contributors to poor rural air quality is wildfire smoke. As climate change intensifies, wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, blanketing rural towns in hazardous air. Unlike urban pollution, which is often localized, wildfire smoke spreads indiscriminately, exposing rural populations to high levels of PM2.5 and toxic compounds (harmful chemicals released by burning vegetation and buildings). Many rural areas also lack access to healthcare resources, making it difficult for vulnerable individuals to receive treatment for respiratory distress.

Health and Environmental Inequities

The gap in air quality between urban and rural communities reflects broader social and economic injustices. Urban dwellers may be exposed to constant emissions, but they often benefit from better healthcare infrastructure, air quality monitoring systems, and regulatory measures. Rural populations, on the other hand, must deal with long distances to medical facilities, fewer air monitoring stations, and limited political representation in environmental policy decisions.

Studies show that individuals living in both urban and rural polluted areas are disproportionately from low-income backgrounds. The inability to relocate away from industrial zones, major roadways, or agricultural hotspots leaves these populations with few options but to endure worsening air quality conditions.

Clearing the Air

Addressing air quality disparities requires policies that prioritize environmental justice) and public health. Efforts such as stricter emissions standards, investment in public transportation, and green infrastructure can help mitigate pollution in cities. In rural areas, better wildfire management, sustainable farming practices, and increased air monitoring networks are crucial steps toward cleaner air.

Community-driven initiatives also play a key role. In Fort Collins, Colorado, local air monitoring projects empower residents to track pollution levels and advocate for policy changes. Meanwhile, pilot programs in California are exploring agricultural reforms that reduce ammonia emissions while maintaining farm productivity.

Ultimately, clean air should not be a privilege dictated by geography or socioeconomic status—it is a fundamental human right. By recognizing and addressing the health injustices tied to air pollution, we can work toward a future where everyone, regardless of where they live, can take a deep breath without fear.

Citations

American Lung Association. “Disparities in the Impact of Air Pollution.” American Lung Association, 2 Nov. 2023, www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/who-is-at-risk/disparities.

American Public Health Association. “Addressing Environmental Justice to Achieve Health Equity.” American Public Health Association, 5 Nov. 2019, www.apha.org/policies-and-advocacy/public-health-policy-statements/policy-database/2020/01/14/addressing-environmental-justice-to-achieve-health-equity.

Milojevic, Ai, et al. “Socioeconomic and Urban-Rural Differentials in Exposure to Air Pollution and Mortality Burden in England - Environmental Health.” BioMed Central, BioMed Central, 6 Oct. 2017, ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-017-0314-5