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Abstract

This article examines factors that contribute to the negative health impacts on Black Americans, other minorities, and low-income communities that are living in areas with high levels of air pollution, toxic waste, and environmental hazards. First, this article assesses the role of historical residential redlining on the segregation of BIPOC neighborhoods. Furthermore, the article addresses gaps in both federal and state environmental laws that allow facilities to keep obtaining permits and polluting in BIPOC and primarily low-income neighborhoods. Moreover, the article explains the higher rates of trauma, stress, and stress-related illnesses among BIPOC communities exposed to high levels of environmental hazards. Lastly, the article evaluates disparities among BIPOC individuals’ access to healthcare. Therefore, BIPOC communities experience adverse health effects, including higher COVID-19 rates, as a result of Environmental Racism and related factors.

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