What is environmental justice?

There are 17 principles of environmental justice. To sum up, it is the fair treatment of every person– regardless of color, national origin, ethnicity, race, or economic status— concerning the development and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Environmental justice is trying to right the wrongs of environmental injustice—like health hazards from toxic waste facilities. It is fighting for the essential rights to clean air, water, land and food for everyone. 

What is environmental racism?

Environmental racism is the term that refers to BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) neighborhoods being disproportionately affected by landfills, hazardous/toxic waste facilities, and other dangerous pollutions. This is a prime example of an environmental injustice.

In 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did a study looking at the effects of facilities that polluted Particulate Matter, on groups according to their race, ethnicity, and economic status.

This study concluded that for PM of 2.5 micrometers in diameter, black people have 1.54 (54%) times higher burden than the overall population.

PM stands for particulate matter but can also be referred to as particle pollution. PM are formed by the combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. Some come from a direct source and others are created by reactions between chemicals emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles. There are two types: PM of 10 micrometers or smaller in diameter and PM of 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. Both of these can be inhaled by humans and pose many health risks, but the finer particles (2.5 or less) pose the greatest risks. Some health effects might be aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, nonfatal heart attacks, and much more.

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