Community's Perception on Ambient Air and Noise Pollution: A Qualitative Study in Southwest Detroit

Low-income urban communities of color, specifically African American and Hispanic populations living in industrial areas, are disproportionately affected by environmental health hazards, including exposure to air pollution and noise. In Southwest Detroit, a densely populated area with extensive industry and traffic, many residents are chronically exposed to air and noise pollution, contributing to a high prevalence of chronic illnesses such as asthma and cardiovascular disease.

To better understand environmental health concerns and perceptions of environmental hazards, we conducted phone interviews with 22 residents in Southwest Detroit. During the interviews, participants were asked to reflect on reports of air and noise pollution based on monitoring inside and outside of their home, how their health might be affected, and to identify their main environmental health concerns.

Through qualitative analysis of phone interview notes, we identified truck traffic and inadequate mitigation efforts as concerns for Southwest Detroit residents. Our results suggested that study participants are aware of their disproportionate exposures to air and noise pollution and that while some residents are actively involved in environmental justice efforts, additional structural preventive measures including reduced pollutant emissions, are necessary to preserve public health.

This study demonstrates that residents of Southwest Detroit are aware of high levels of both air pollutants and noise and perceive environmental exposures as critical components affecting health, both key aspects of environmental health literacy. This awareness, along with policy change, can facilitate community involvement in evaluating, understanding, and potentially abating air and noise pollution among minority populations.