Assessment of the distribution of toxic release inventory facilities in metropolitan Charleston: an environmental justice case study

Am J Public Health. 2012 Oct;102(10):1974-80. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300700. Epub 2012 Aug 16.

Abstract

Objectives: We assessed spatial disparities in the distribution of Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) facilities in Charleston, SC.

Methods: We used spatial methods and regression to assess burden disparities in the study area at the block and census-tract levels by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES).

Results: Results revealed an inverse relationship between distance to TRI facilities and race/ethnicity and SES at the block and census-tract levels. Results of regression analyses showed a positive association between presence of TRI facilities and high percentage non-White and a negative association between number of TRI facilities and high SES.

Conclusions: There are burden disparities in the distribution of TRI facilities in Charleston at the block and census-tract level by race/ethnicity and SES. Additional research is needed to understand cumulative risk in the region.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Demography
  • Environmental Exposure*
  • Environmental Pollution*
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Hazardous Waste / analysis*
  • Industry
  • Poverty Areas*
  • Regression Analysis
  • South Carolina
  • Urban Population

Substances

  • Hazardous Waste