Structural and Social Determinants of Inequitable Environmental Exposures in the United States
Courtney Gao1, Kimberly M Sanchez1, Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir2
1Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 3959 Broadway, CHC 7-701, New York, NY, USA.
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.
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