Structural and Social Determinants of Inequitable Environmental Exposures in the United States

Courtney Gao; Kimberly M Sanchez; Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir

doi:10.1016/j.ccm.2023.03.002

Structural and Social Determinants of Inequitable Environmental Exposures in the United States

Clin Chest Med. 2023 Sep;44(3):451-467. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2023.03.002. Epub 2023 May 8.

Authors

Courtney Gao¹, Kimberly M Sanchez¹, Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir²

Affiliations

¹ Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 3959 Broadway, CHC 7-701, New York, NY, USA.
² Pulmonary Division, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 3959 Broadway, CHC 7-701, New York, NY 10032, USA. Electronic address: sl3230@cumc.columbia.edu.

PMID: 37517826
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2023.03.002

Abstract

American Indian (AI)/Alaskan Natives, African Americans, and Latino Americans have disproportionally high exposure to harmful environmental conditions as a consequence of unjust laws and policies, systemic racism, residential segregation, and discrimination. In this review, we draw connections between historical policies and social movements in the United States' history that have been rooted in racism and classism, leading to social isolation and marginalization of AIs, African Americans, and Latino Americans. We then discuss the structural factors that stem from the aforementioned inequities and that contribute to the inequitable distribution of environmental hazards.

Keywords: Air pollution; Environmental justice; Health disparities; Health equity; Marginalization; Segregation; Systemic racism.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

American Indian or Alaska Native
Black or African American
Environmental Exposure* / adverse effects
Health Inequities*
Hispanic or Latino
Humans
Policy
Racism
Residential Segregation
Social Determinants of Health*
Social Discrimination
Social Justice
Systemic Racism*
United States / epidemiology