This Moment on Earth: on Environment

Minority communities more likely polluted than white areas

A 2005 investigation found that people of color were 79% more likely than whites to reside in communities where pollution posed the highest health risks. In the most polluted areas, 1 of every 6 people lived in poverty.

The practice of local governments encouraging the placement of noxious industries in poor neighborhoods goes back to the early part of the 20th century, where minority communities were zoned as "industrial" while white communities were zoned "residential." The trend continues today. Poor & ethnic communities are often assumed to be politically powerless & therefore are targeted wen it comes time to locate a new power plant or toxic dump.