Pollutants stemming from vehicle exhaust systems have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond respiratory health. These tailpipe emissions present significant health hazards at every stage of life and can tragically contribute to premature mortality. Furthermore, the escalating effects of climate change, fueled by heat-trapping emissions, profoundly impact public health and the overall well-being of communities. Climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing heightened risks particularly to vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. It also contributes to alarming phenomena like sea level rise, increased flooding events, prolonged droughts, and devastating wildfires, all of which can cripple local communities and infrastructure.
Disadvantaged communities, particularly low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, are disproportionately burdened with higher exposures to air pollution. Often marginalized by historical urban segregation patterns in US cities, these communities are frequently located in close proximity to major freight transportation hubs and heavily trafficked roadways. This geographical disadvantage is compounded by a lack of adequate resources to effectively adapt to or relocate away from the detrimental effects of both air pollution and climate change-related damages.
In-depth analysis of emissions originating from cars, SUVs, trucks, and buses reveals a stark reality of environmental inequity in exposure to harmful particulate matter air pollution. Specifically, Asian Americans are, on average, subjected to PM2.5 concentrations that are 34 percent higher than the average exposure level across the US population. Black individuals experience concentrations that are 24 percent higher than the national average. Latino populations (defined as those identifying as Hispanic or Latino) face exposure levels that are 23 percent higher than the US population as a whole. In contrast, White individuals experience average exposure levels that are 14 percent lower than the national average. This disparity means that, on average, Asian Americans and Black individuals are exposed to PM2.5 pollution levels that are a staggering 56 percent and 44 percent higher, respectively, compared to White individuals.
