Spatial Pattern of Outdoor PM_2.5 Air Pollution in U.S. Prison Landscapes from 1998 to 2022

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health Policy
• Environmental Justice

Background:

• Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure is linked to significant health risks and mortality.
• Limited research exists on PM_2.5 exposure levels within U.S. correctional facilities.
• Understanding these disparities is crucial for public health and environmental justice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations at U.S. prisons from 1998 to 2022.
• To compare prison PM_2.5 exposure with national and state-level nonincarcerated populations.
• To identify potential health disparities and inform policy interventions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized satellite-derived data to estimate outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations.
• Analyzed data for 1,593 prisons across the contiguous U.S. over a 25-year period.
• Compared prison pollution levels with population-weighted averages and federal air quality standards.

Main Results:

• Prisons, on average, experienced higher PM_2.5 concentrations than the general U.S. population.
• In 2022, over 500 prisons exceeded state-level averages; 12 states showed systematic disparities.
• Approximately 7% of prisons exceeded federal air quality standards, with many in California.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals significant, health-relevant disparities in outdoor PM_2.5 exposure for incarcerated populations.
• These findings indicate an urgent public health crisis requiring governmental attention and intervention.
• Reducing prison populations through decarceration could immediately mitigate exposure risks.