Deprivation and race once again linked to health inequality

A new analysis by Friends of the Earth has reinforced the view that people of colour living in poorer communities bear the brunt of air pollution. 

The link between deprivation and poor health outcomes has long been understood, and a series of  reports published in recent years focusing on minority communities has emphasised that non-white demographics are often the worst impacted by this relationship. Not least when it comes to air pollution, as recent figures show. 

Analysis by Friends of the Earth has revealed there are 2,546 neighbourhoods in England where nitrogen dioxide (NO2) or particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollutants, or both, are double the recommended limit set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Both have strong links to traffic emissions. Overall, 1million under-18s live in these areas, including around 750,000 under-12s.  

In addition, it was found that of 1,737 schools in these areas, 924 had recorded levels of both those pollutants at double the amount deemed to be acceptable. All of these are in London.

Campaigners are citing this evidence as proof that the most disadvantaged people are bearing the brunt of the environmental and health crises, and have also highlighted that poorer access to education and language difficulties make poorer communities of colour particularly vulnerable as they often struggle to enact campaigns or understand their rights. 

‘It’s a scandal that more than a million children and young people in England live in areas where average air pollution levels are twice World Health Organisation guidelines for either or both of two of the deadliest pollutants,’ said Jenny Bates, air pollution campaigner at Friends of the Earth. ‘Millions of people are suffering the effects of living in the most polluted neighbourhoods, with the most deprived communities and people of colour the hardest hit.’ 

For more on air pollution and its impact on communities and public health, head to our sister publication, Air Quality News.

Image: Samuel Ryde