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Description
Environmental racism is defined as the disproportionate exposure of racialized communities to environmental hazards, toxic waste, and climate related impacts as a result of historical injustices. This system of inequality is believed to have lasting effects that continue into the present. This study examines the direct relationship between environmental racism and rising asthma rates in low-income communities in Los Angeles including the potential policy reforms that could address these disparities. Using historical redlining maps, GIS analysis, and pollution data, this study analyzes the spatial patterns between historically marginalized neighborhoods and current environmental conditions. The findings indicate that historically redlined areas experience higher levels of pollution and correspondingly higher asthma rates. These results highlight the long-term impacts of discriminatory housing practices and support the need for specific environmental justice and urban planning policy reforms to reduce pollution and address the health disparities.
Publisher Location
Las Vegas (Nev.)
Publication Date
Spring 4-17-2026
Publisher
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Language
English
Keywords
Asthma rates; Low income; Health disparities; Pollution; Environmental disparities
Disciplines
Environmental Health | Pharmacology | Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health
File Format
File Size
3110 KB
Recommended Citation
Abass, Rawan, "Environmental Racism" (2026). Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations. 80.
https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/durep_podium/80
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IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Comments
Mentor: Kate Ksobiech